GRUNDFOS waStewater

stormwater tanks

Design of StormWater Tanks

Recommendations and layout
 3

The concept of storm water detention is to temporarily store excess storm water runoff. This is
to avoid hydraulic overload of the sewer system, which could result in the flooding of roads and
Design of StormWater Tanks buildings with untreated wastewater or its release directly into the environment, causing pol-
lution. When space is available in the sewer system, the detained water is released at a rate not
Recommendations and layout exceeding the capacities of the sewer system, and the tank should be cleaned ready for the next
flush.

The challenGe ahead the ground as normal, and instead water is guided
THE CHALLENGE AHEAD............................................................................................................................................................3 into the existing sewer system. This creates a sub-
Climate change is increasingly the cause of ex- stantial hydraulic load in the pipes network and
treme weather phenomena around the world, for at the wastewater treatment plant. Furthermore,
STORMWATER TANKS IN DUTY-MODE OF OPERATION................................................................................................. 7
example extreme rainfall. This challenges the exist- paved and impermeable areas also collect more air-
ing sewer system, not least because an increase in borne pollutants which are washed off along with
FILLING...................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 rain intensity of 40 to 60 % will reduce the return rainwater.
FIRST FLUSH.............................................................................................................................................................................8 period of severe flooding events. Stormwater tanks
RETENTION TIME...................................................................................................................................................................8 can store much of this excess rainwater, thereby re- Storm water runoff is the term normally used for
ducing the hydraulic load on the existing sewers. this kind of runoff water. Storm water is of concern
RISK FOR OVERFLOW...........................................................................................................................................................8
Properly sited, such tanks can reduce the need for for two main reasons: one is related to the volume
CLEANING AND MIXING....................................................................................................................................................9
expensive renovation of the existing sewer system. and timing of the runoff water; and the other is
EMPTYING..............................................................................................................................................................................13 related to potential contaminants that the water
Retention of these extreme peak flows of rainfall may be carrying. As we have seen above, both can
PHYSICAL DESIGN OF STORMWATER TANKS................................................................................................................... 17 is also a major challenge because of the extent be expected to increase.
of paved or impermeable areas in urban areas. In
these situations, water cannot naturally seep into
FORM AND SHAPE.............................................................................................................................................................. 17
BENCHES............................................................................................................................................................................... 19
DIMENSIONS........................................................................................................................................................................21
STORAGE VOLUME..............................................................................................................................................................22 Figure 1:
Dry weather COMBINED SEWER SYSTEM Wet weather
INLET........................................................................................................................................................................................23
OUTLET................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Combined (top) and
OPEN/CLOSED TANK CONFIGURATION.................................................................................................................... 29 separate (bottom)
Spout Spout
sewer systems
OBSTACLES............................................................................................................................................................................ 30
during dry and wet
SERVICE ACCESS................................................................................................................................................................. 30
weather flow.

Storm Storm
RAINJETS........................................................................................................................................................................................32 drain drain

CONSIDERATIONS FOR SIZING......................................................................................................................................32

RECOMMENDATION FOR INSTALLATION AND POSITIONING..................................................................................35

Sewage from Combined
domestic Combined sewer
commercial and sewage and overflow
RECTANGULAR TANKS.......................................................................................................................................................35 industrial sources storm water
CIRCULAR TANKS WITH SUMP PLACED AT THE WALL..........................................................................................37
To WWTP To WWTP
CIRCULAR TANKS WITH CENTRE SUMP.................................................................................................................... 38
PIPING AND MANIFOLD..................................................................................................................................................40
Dry weather SEPERATE SEWER SYSTEM Wet weather
PIPE INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................................................40
TUBE AND CHANNEL TANKS......................................................................................................................................... 43
Spout Spout

RECOMMENDATION FOR CONTROLS AND SET POINTS............................................................................................. 44

CONTROL STRATEGY......................................................................................................................................................... 44 Storm Storm

drain drain

EQUIPMENT FOR STORMWATER TANKS........................................................................................................................... 46

Sewage from Sewage from
domestic domestic
BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................................................................................... 49 commercial and
industrial sources
commercial and
industrial sources

To WWTP To wet To WWTP To wet

retention pond retention pond
4 Stormwater tanks
Retaining storm water
Storm water is collected in the sewer network. A
sewer network can either be a combined system or
a separate stormwater system (Figure 1,). The lat-
ter is of no interest for this guideline, as the storm
water from this system is often guided directly to
the recipient or into wet retention ponds. However,
storm water from the combined sewer system is a
more complex issue and can cause environmental,
aesthetic and hygiene problems for the recipients,
in the form of combined sewer overflows of un-
treated wastewater, because the systems are not
constructed to cope with these large water flows.
In many parts of the world, there is now an ac-
knowledgement of and increased focus on these is-
sues and requirements through local legislation for
discharge from combined sewers has become com-
mon. At a general level, this greater awareness can
clearly be seen in efforts to prevent and reduce pol-
lution, promote sustainable water use, protect the
aquatic environment, improve the status of aquatic
ecosystems, and mitigate the effects of floods.
Health, safety
and the environmental issues
Of major concern to regulatory bodies are the health
and safety issues for populations living close to wa-
ters with bacteriological and chemical pollution.
The pollution resulting from these discharges, even
though only brief and periodical, is also in focus be-
cause it can cause severe ecological consequences
and impact more heavily on the environment than
the steady load from a wastewater treatment plant.
Minimising the overflows from combined sewers
can thereby improve water quality and ecological
stability in many ways.
Figure 2:
Dry weather COMBINED SEWER SYSTEM
Combined sewer
systems with
Spout
an integrated
stormwater tank
during dry and
wet weather
flow.
Storm
drain
Sewage from
domestic Stormwater
commercial and tank
industrial sources
To WWTP
Untreated wastewater can also back up in the sew-
er system and result in backflow into buildings and
basements, for example through toilets and drains
and result in property damage. The concern here is
possible economical losses for private homes, com-
panies and public buildings due to the destruction
of property, of contents and the cost of cleaning.
Stormwater tanks an effective solution
Stormwater tanks are an effective way of reducing
peak flow and equalising flow rates from storm wa-
ter runoffs in the sewer system. Placed strategically,
stormwater tanks mean better utilisation of the ex-
isting sewer system, allow for intelligent manage-
ment of storm water flows, and ultimately save on
infrastructure investments.
Stormwater tanks are a cost-effective solution, be-
cause sewer lines are already constructed and gen-
erally have a substantially remaining lifetime, and
replacing existing pipes in an urban environment is
– in addition to being very expensive – troublesome.
Stormwater tanks can be relatively easily adapted to
the sewer system, and during heavy rain the sewer
system is relieved by guiding excess storm water to
the stormwater tank for temporary storage (Fig. 2).
All this illustrates the advantages of self-cleaning,
pump-managed stormwater tanks.
Wet weather
Spout
Storm
drain
Combined
sewage and Stormwater
storm water tank
To WWTP
Stormwater tanks 5
Figure 3:
Off-line detention
In-line and off-line
Inlet storage
Outlet
In-line detention
Overflow
Inlet
Outlet
Overflow
In-line and off-line retention fraction of the suspended solids will settle during
retention in the tank whereas the rest will remain
Stormwater tanks are classified according to how in suspension (Fig. 4).
they are connected to the sewer system. For storm-
water tanks connected in series with the convey-
ance system, the term in-line storage or detention Figure 4:
is used. Storage facilities connected in parallel to
TDS
the sewer system are termed off-line storage or de- Diagram showing
tention (Fig. 3). the fraction of the
total solids (TS)
With in-line detention, both dry and wet weather that will settle (TSS
TS
flow passes through the tank. The outlet for in-line settleable) in the
detention tanks has less capacity than the inlet, and TSS stormwater tank
consequently flow passes through the tank unde- TSSsettleable during retention.
tained until the inflow rate exceeds the outlet ca-
pacity. The excess inflow is then stored within the
tank until the inflow rate decreases, where the de-
tained water then empties through the outlet.
Off-line storage is connected in parallel to the sew-
er pipe, and as such dry weather flow bypasses the
storage tank, leaving the stormwater tank empty FACTS:
between storms. Off-line storage is first achieved
Detaining water for a period of time can also be utilised in applications
when a predetermined flow rate is exceeded and
other than the temporary storage of storm water in the sewer system:
the flow from the conveyance system is diverted
• Wastewater treatment plants: Ensuring efficient treatment of waste-
into the stormwater tank by means of pumping or
gravity. The detained water is stored in the tank un- water a constant hydraulic load must be provided throughout the
til sufficient conveyance or treatment capacity be- cleaning processes securing final effluent quality. Inflows of water
comes available downstream and the water can be exceeding the capacity can then be temporary stored in a detention
pumped back. tank.
• Large blocks of flats and buildings: Discharges to the sewer system
Inflow from a storm water runoff event entering are often subject to limits due to the capacity of the public sewer net-
the stormwater tank carries organic and inorganic work. If the hydraulic load is exceeded, detention tanks can be used
matter. This can include macro pollutants such as for temporary storage.
fine particles, vegetation and litter or micro pollut- • Discharges from factories: Batch volumes of process water with a cer-
ants such as nutrients, bacteria, heavy metals and tain chemical or physical property must sometimes be stabilised or
chemicals. The usual definition of all these mate- equalised before discharge to the sewer system. This is to ensure that
rials together is total solids (TS), which consists of the processes taking place at the receiving wastewater treatment
a suspended (TSS) and a dissolved (TDS) fraction. plant are not disturbed.
For storm water detention, this incoming material
is left to settle during the detention period. Only a
6 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 7

Ensuring effective cleaning Stormwater tanks

If the detained water is conveyed directly back
into the sewer system, the majority of the settled
matter will stay in the tank, where it will build up.
Once established, sediment deposits in the tank
are difficult to remove, even with pressure cleaning
equipment, and these deposits will take up storage
capacity. If the settled matter is not removed from
the tank, the tank will also appear dirty and poorly
maintained. Furthermore, anaerobic decomposition
of the detained organic matter due to biological
activity creates unpleasant odours and toxic gases
from the stormwater tank.
The accumulated matter contains various toxic com-
pounds adsorbed to the settled organic particles as
well as a variety of pathogenic bacteria. Manual
cleaning in connection with tank operation is there-
fore problematic and should be eliminated. Instead,
an effective, automatic and controlled cleaning of
the stormwater tank should be implemented.
Cleaning efficiency is however dependent on
stormwater tank design. Due to the flexibility when
building with concrete, which often is used for the
construction of stormwater tanks, these storage
facilities can assume many forms and be fitted in
where space is available. Describing them all is not
feasible and this guideline only considers rectangu-
lar and circular tanks, but the principles described
can be transferred to other shapes and forms, with
modifications.
Stormwater tanks are most often flat-bottomed,
which are not self-cleaning and therefore require
special equipment. For automatic cleaning of these
tanks different types of equipment are available,
such as mechanical bottom scrapes, and single
flush or continuous flush water systems.
The Grundfos
RainJet range
Mechanical scrapers keep a clearance from the bot-
tom of the tank, leaving material on the tank floor
which will give rise to the odour problems described
above. This system will therefore not be suitable for
stormwater tanks that are emptied between storm
water events. Compared to the single flush system,
the continuous flush system has the advantage that
it can continue the flushing cycle until all detained
matter has been removed from the tank.
Relatively cheap, flexible and automatic cleaning
with a continuous flush system is obtained by in-
stalling RainJets. This type of equipment is categor-
ised as a continuous flush system that can easily be
adjusted to fit most stormwater tanks. Grundfos
RainJets are available in two different versions: the
Water/Water ejector (RainJet WW), and the Water/
Air ejector (RainJet WA). The RainJet does not need
an external source of fresh water supplied for clean-
ing, as it uses the detained water already in the tank
for flushing. This completely circumvents the pos-
sible problems of backflow into the potable water
system.
To ensure that the effective and automatic cleaning
of the stormwater tank runs smoothly, it is impor-
tant that the tank is properly designed, both in re-
gards to equipment, physical design and controls.
To aid the process of creating a durable solution,
this handbook aims to help provide an overview of
some of the important points regarding equipment
used for automatic control, stormwater tank design,
placement of equipment and automatic operation.
in duty-mode of operation
The variation in stormwater tank design that might
arise due to differences in construction means that
the operation of each stormwater tank must be
considered as a unique case. However, regardless of
whether the tank is renovated or newly construct-
ed, the determining factor for the effective use of
the structure for efficient cleaning is the hydraulics
of the system, as it is the flow of water that cleans
the tank.
The hydraulics of the system require the consider-
ation of filling capacity, mixing, cleaning and emp-
tying as well as the retention time of the storm
water runoff. Equipment installed in the tank can
directly influence the hydraulics, and the selection
of equipment must address these issues.
Grundfos has a strong tradition in using state-of-
the-art simulation tools to improve our products and
has more than 15 years of experience making simu-
lations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
to describe flow patterns in for example pumps and
pumping stations. Grundfos has utilised CFD tools
for describing, optimising and visualising the hy-
draulic processes that takes place during stormwa-
ter tank operation with the finite volume method
(Figure 5). Simulations in this guideline have been
made using the general purpose CFD software suite
ANSYS CFX that combines an advanced solver with
powerful pre- and post-processing capabilities.
The best practice for CFD modelling has been ap-
plied to generate the simulations shown here. This
involves generating appropriate computation grids
and selecting the relevant physical models.
The CFD models give the possibility for studying
details in the hydrodynamics of the RainJet, which
is not possible with traditional experimental meth-
ods. Figure 5 shows examples of flow patterns
which would take weeks to measure manually. The
resulting simulations can – with the use of vector
or contour plots in various intersections of the tank
– provide an insight into how the hydraulics act in
the tank.
The colours of the arrows and contours show the
magnitude of the chosen variable according to the
scale in the picture. Furthermore, the arrows on the
vector plots show how the direction of flow of wa-
ter is in the tank at the specific conditions.
Filling
When the tank is being filled, two conflicting pa-
rameters are important to provide relief for the
sewer system and let detained material settle. In-
flow to the stormwater tank should take place at a
pace that ensures the sewer system delivering wa-
ter to the tank does not become overloaded, with
the consequences that follow. On the other hand,
the inflow should not arrive at a pace or in a man-
ner that makes turbulence in the tank an issue for
the settling of detained material, should an over-
flow from the tank occur.
The extent to which pumps should be used in storm-
water tank operation depends on site topography,
vertical fall in the sewer system and the amount of
control that is desired for the flow in the system. In Figure 5:
some cases, where site topography allows it, gravity
can be used to cope with the flow either in or out of CFD simulations
the tank. However this strategy does not provide as can be used to
tight a control with the runoff as is possible when describe the hy-
applying pumps for the task. draulic processes
taking place in the
The pumps chosen can be either centrifugal or pro- stormwater tank.
peller pumps, depending on the flow and head re- At the top can be
quired. The free passage of the impeller in the pump seen an example of
should however be considered to avoid possible a velocity vector plot
clogging issues. Some sewer systems and stormwa- and at the bottom
ter tanks have incorporated screens to trap major a contour plot
impurities, while other systems let everything pass showing the water
and will either pass through or block the pumps velocity at the
operating the system. bottom plate.

RainJet WA RainJet WW Velocity Velocity

with longer- with greater Streamline 1 Contour 1

reaching jet flow for

0.500 0.500
0.450 0.450

and mixed wider tanks

0.400 0.400
0.350 0.350

with air 0.300

0.250
0.300
0.250
0.200 0.200
0.150 0.150

0.100 0.100
0.050 0.050

0.000 0.000

[m s^-1] [m s^-1]
8 Stormwater tanks
First flush
In the first minutes of a storm water runoff event, a
batch of water termed the first flush will arrive. The
first flush carries high concentrations of organic
and inorganic matter to the stormwater tank. This
material has accumulated in the sewer system or
on the drained area during periods without rain. Ab-
sorbed in this material are different chemicals such
as heavy metals and xenobiotics. These chemicals
originate from the surfaces of roofs, drains, con-
crete areas and roads in the catchment areas.
Because of the intake of large amounts of organic
and inorganic matter in the first period of a runoff
event, it might be advantageous to divide larger
stormwater tanks into separate sections, which
are then filled successively and controlled by weirs,
valves or other arrangements (Fig. 6). Filling the
sections successively gives two advantages. Firstly,
only the section(s) of the tank that have been filled
must be cleaned and not the whole tank. Secondly,
all major impurities are retained in the first section,
minimising the risk of having suspended material
in the effluent in the event of an overflow.
Retention time
Retention time of the stored water is controlled by
available space in the sewer system, and this deter-
mines when water from the tank can be conveyed
back. This can normally be done immediately after
the storm water runoff event and the tank can be
empty within 24-48 hours after the first inflow. Dur-
ing extended periods of detention, unintended is-
sues such as odour problems might arise, resulting
from the combination of wastewater quality, tem-
perature and time.
Figure 6:
Section
Successive
filling of a
stormwater tank
Non Outflow
return valves pump
Wastewater carried to the stormwater tank from
the combined sewer system contains a certain load
of organic matter. The organic matter in the de-
tained water decomposes under the consumption
of oxygen in the water phase due to biological activ-
ity. During extended periods of detention, oxygen is
consequently depleted, which gives rise to the for-
mation of anaerobic zones in the tank. At elevated
water temperatures (15 ºC or above), the microor-
ganisms speed up the decomposition of organic
matter and thus the depletion of oxygen happens
even faster. As oxygen in the water becomes lim-
ited, anaerobic decomposition of the organic mat-
ter will be the main mechanism for decomposition.
Anaerobic decomposition creates foul smelling and
flammable gasses such as hydrogen sulphide and
methane that will emit to the surroundings from
the stormwater tank or get trapped inside if the
tank is covered, creating a hazardous environment.
The RainJet used for cleaning can be supplied both
with and without an aerated jet stream. Choosing a
RainJet WA will introduce air into the detained wa-
ter, which might eliminate or postpone the forma-
tion of anaerobic zones and the inconveniences this
might bring.
Risk for overflow
There is an economic consideration about how big
the stormwater tank should be constructed, in rela-
tion to the expected inflow of storm water. Some
storm water events will therefore exceed the capac-
ity of the tank and an emergency overflow must
consequently be incorporated.
Legislation setting up the environmental goals for
the receiving waters and the degree of safety con-
cerning health issues for the people living nearby
Inlet
2 Section
1 and settling of de-
Section
3 tained material
Overflow
Spillway
Stormwater tanks 9
FACTS:
Gas development problems related to anaerobic digestion of materials in storm water tanks:
• Hydrogen sulphide (H2S): H2S has a very characteristic odour and smells strongly like rotten eggs
and flatulence. It is a highly toxic and flammable gas that is detectable in low concentrations (ppm).
H2S deadens the sense of smell in higher concentrations or after prolonged exposure. Respiratory
paralysis and death may occur quickly at concentrations as low as 0.07% by volume in air.
• Methane (CH4): CH4 is a colourless and odourless gas at room temperature and atmospheric pres-
sure. CH4 is not toxic but it is highly flammable and may form explosive mixtures with air.
CH4 is a relatively potent greenhouse gas which contributes to global warming because it in the
atmosphere is converted in to carbon dioxide and water.
now makes it mandatory in most places to monitor crease the efficiency of the disinfection methods,
and report the number of overflows, duration, vol- simply by lowering the bacterial removal rate and
ume, etc., for each individual stormwater tank. furthermore will result in the formation of toxic by-
products.
To avoid gross material flowing into the receiving
waters, screens can be installed on the overflow Cleaning and mixing
to cope with this. The screens will trap impurities
depending on the clearance and reduce organic The principles for the automatic cleaning of storm-
pollution of the receiving water. In vulnerable ar- water tanks using RainJets are described below.
eas, a further treatment of the overflow might be The cycles that take place in the tank during a storm
required before it is guided to the receiving waters. water event from inflow of wastewater to the com-
For this purpose, membranes, filters or disinfection pletely cleaned tank are described below. Automa-
equipment can be installed. tic control of the installed equipment is normally
done depending on water levels. Stormwater tank
Disinfection of the overflow can eliminate bacterio- operation is basically divided into four periods:
logical contamination and the hazards that bacte-
ria can cause. Disinfection can be either chemical 1) a filling period where the inflow exceeds the
or physical. The chemical methods comprise dosing outflow;
of chlorine or its derivatives as well as ozone, where 2) a settling period;
a widely used physical method is exposure of the 3) a depletion period where the tank empties when
water to UV light. For disinfection of overflows from the outflow is greater than the inflow rate;
stormwater tanks, high-rate disinfection is often 4) a cleaning period where the tank is flushed,
required to ensure adequate removal of pathogens cleaned and completely emptied.
from short-term high volume overflows.
(See figures 7-11).
Figure 7:
Step 1-2:
Filling of the tank
The disinfection equipment must be able to be Cleaning
controlled based on intermittent high flows with
variable temperatures, suspended solids concentra- During the filling period it is desirable to let the or-
tions and levels of microorganisms. ganic and inorganic matter settle on the tank floor
so it does not run into the recipient if overflow from
Due the presence of suspended solids in the de- the tank happens (Figure 7).
tained water, it might be necessary to install
screens or filters in front of the equipment. If these
organic impurities are not removed, they will de-
10 Stormwater tanks
During the subsequent depletion period it is desir-
able to resuspend the settled material for trans-
port back to the sewer network and further to the
wastewater treatment plant for treatment.
Figure 8:
Step 2 – Mixing
and resuspension of
settled matter.
Rectangular tank:
Switching on the RainJet ensures that the side
walls and the centre area of the tank floor are
kept free from deposits due to the mixing force
provided by the installed equipment. A properly
chosen RainJet resuspends most of the settled
matter in the tank, with only the corners as an
exception.
During the depletion period the water level is re-
duced by pumping the detained water back to the
sewer system (see Figure 9). The force required for
mixing the decreasing volume of water in the tank
Figure 9:
Step 3 – Resuspen-
sion and clearance
of places further
away from the
RainJet in the
depletion period
Rectangular tank:
The excess thrust force during the depletion pe-
riod is further assisted by an effect of a dynamic
cleaning motion where the water jet oscillates
from side to side, effectively resuspending set-
tled material in the corner of the tank furthest
away from the RainJet (Figure 10).
In the depletion period mixing must therefore be
provided, which can be done using RainJets or a
combination of RainJets and mixers (see Figure 8).
Circular tank:
Switching on the RainJet will start building the
inertia of the circular movement which will
clean the stormwater tank. In the direction of
the jet stream the settled matter will be resus-
pend due to the mixing force provided by the
RainJet. Furthermore the side walls will also be
scoured as a result of turbulence in the tank.
thereby also decreases. However as the RainJet de-
livers an unchanged thrust force, this allows the
RainJet to resuspend the remaining settled matter
in places further away from the machine.
Circular tank:
During the depletion period the circulation
speed increases due to the excess power input.
This ensures that all settled material at the tank
periphery will be resuspended and dragged with
the water towards the centre of the tank.
Stormwater tanks 11
Figure 10:
The dynamic
cleaning effect
where the water
jet oscillates from
side to side can be
visualised using
transient CFD
calculations.
When depletion of the tank is close to being
completed the water level in the tank is between
30 - 60 cm and the RainJet will be partially unsub-
merged and the operational cycle proceeds into the
cleaning period (see Figure 11).
Figure 11:
Step 4 – Cleaning
proximity of the
RainJet
Rectangular tank:
In the cleaning period the length of the jet stream decreas- Circular tank:
es, reaching approximately the centre of the tank where As the RainJet becomes unsub-
a standing wave forms. This wave terminates the jet and merged the water jet length de-
spreads out the stream. As the water level decreases in the creases. This implies that the wa-
tank, the jet length from the RainJet similarly decreases ter delivered from the RainJet will
until the hydraulic jump disappears and the jet stream be concentrated in the middle of
simply protrudes along the tank floor. the tank flushing any remaining
material at the centre into the
The back flow of water is now generated from the centre of sump of the tank.
the tank, gathering the solids in the proximity of the Rain-
Jet and flushing them to the sump.
12 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 13

The sump of the stormwater tank can now be com- For a tank having a water level of 4 meters, a Rain-
pletely emptied by the outlet pump. All organic and Jet delivering a water flow of 25 l/s is insufficient to
Velocity Velocity
inorganic matters are now removed from the tank. create a high enough velocity – and therefore suffi- Streamline 1 Streamline 1
The tank is now thoroughly cleaned and eventual cient mixing – in the tank to provide an acceptable 0.500 0.500

odour problems are totally eliminated. coverage of the tank corners furthest away from the
0.375 0.375
RainJet.
Mixing 0.250 0.250

Increasing water flow to 75 l/s will result in energy

The hydrodynamics of the RainJet makes it possible being wasted at the tank wall and water surface, as 0.125 0.125

to both control the mixing and the cleaning of the
tank at the same time. In the depletion period the
detained water must be mixed to resuspend the
settled matter and obtain an efficient cleaning.
The RainJet is capable of both. When submerged
the RainJet utilises the flow of water created in
the ejector to act as a powerful mixer, resuspend-
ing the matter in the tank due to the thrust force
and high power jet formed. At low water levels the
RainJet acts as a powerful flushing device, cleaning
the tank floor and walls from organic matter, as ex-
Figure 12: plained in the section above.
Velocity contour The equipment installed in the stormwater tank
plots showing what must be sized to deliver a large enough water flow
happens at different and thus a thrust force to mix the water volume
RainJet capacities of the stormwater tank. Choosing a RainJet with a
all other conditions too large water flow will not enhance cleaning ef-
are equal. From the ficiency but only waste energy in for example the
top 25 l/s, 50 l/s and mixing phase of the cleaning cycle, as illustrated in
75 l/s shown in a Figure 12.
plane 0.15 m above
the bottom plate The velocity gradients, as shown on the simulations
(left) and in a plane below, will give rise to a certain shear stress at the
through the RainJet tank bottom, which at large velocities will be suf-
axis (right). ficient to keep the bottom plate free from deposits.
Velocity Velocity
Contour 1 Contour 1
0.500
there is a high velocity when the contour colours are
matched to the legend in the figure below. Howev-
er, a performance of 50 l/s seems to be suitable, as
the water jet of the RainJet is sufficient to reach all
the way to the backwall with an appropriate veloc-
ity to sweep the corners, resuspending the settled
material without wasting energy on the backwall
and water surface.
Even though velocities in the middle part of the
tank seem low compared to a performance of 75
l/s, this has no effect on the cleaning efficiency.
This is due to the fact that this area of the tank is
being cleaned during the end of phase 3 and start
of phase 4, where the water flow of the ejector is
concentrated in this area. Furthermore, at a perfor-
mance of 50 l/s the water velocity in the area above
the sump is low which favours sedimentation. This
means that materials will collect in the sump where
it will be carried away through the outlet pipe.
If instead of mixing the entire volume it is only nec-
essary to mix a predefined volume of the stored wa-
ter, a RainJet with a smaller capacity can be used.
However when choosing this solution it is impor-
tant to make sure that materials detained in the
0.000
[m s^-1]
stormwater tank will not concentrate so much that
they exceed the solids handling limit of the outlet
pump. Furthermore, when deciding the water level
for complete mixing, it is also necessary to take into
account that the RainJet has enough time for resus-
pension of the settled matter in order to perform a
perfect cleaning.
The simulation in Fig. 13 shows the difference in ve-
locity streamlines and thus mixing capabilities at an
equal power input of the RainJet at different water
levels in the stormwater tank. Based on the velocity
streamlines, it can be seen that the RainJet is not
capable of mixing the entire volume of water at a
water level of 4 meters, but as the water level drops
to 2 meters the mixing capacity of the RainJet will
be more suitable to the stored volume of water.
For stormwater tanks, a given number of RainJets
will always be capable of providing the necessary
thrust force to mix the complete volume of stored
water. However this may entail that an excess clean-
ing efficiency is installed and mixers can instead be
used to supplement the thrust together with an ap-
propriate number of RainJets.
0.000
[m s^-1]
(see Figure 26), in order to design a solution where Figure 13:
the mixing capacity will not be oversized during
most operational hours. Simulation of
the difference in
Emptying velocity streamlines,
indicating mixing
Emptying the stormwater tank after the storm capabilities, at dif-
water runoff has ceased should be done at a pace ferent water levels
that does not overload the sewer system and the when using the
downstream-situated wastewater treatment plant same power input
that it initially relieved. This can easily be controlled of the RainJet.
using variable-speed pumping, which is regulated
based on measurements of the actual capacity of
the sewer system to provide a near-constant and
controlled flow to the sewer system.
If the flow to the sewer system does not have any
hydraulic limitation when emptying the stormwa-
ter tank, emptying should not be done at a pace
faster than is required for the cleaning equipment
to have time to resuspend material and clean the
tank. As the cleaning action of the RainJet is not
based on a single flush but on continuous flushing,
an extra flush time/cycle can be used if desired. To
do this the outflow pumps must be discontinued

0.450
0.500

0.450
for a certain time, leaving an appropriate volume of
0.400

0.350
0.400

0.350
Whether the RainJet is used alone or in combination water in the sump for final flushing. When this ex-
0.300
0.250
0.300
0.250
with a mixer will be a consideration made on the tra flush time is completed the outflow pump can
0.200

0.150
0.200

0.150
basis of e.g. length and volume of the tank, physical once more be switched on, emptying the remaining
0.100 0.100 shape, and obstacles. Furthermore considerations volume of the detained water to the sewer system.
0.050 0.050
0.000 0.000 should be given to the typical filling volume of wa-
[m s^-1] [m s^-1]
ter to be stored according to e.g. a duration curve However the emptying time should also be per-
formed at a pace so that the biological breakdown
Velocity Velocity of organic matter does not create an odour issue
FACTS:
Contour 1 Contour 1
0.500 0.500
due to formation of anaerobic zones in the tank.
0.450

0.400
0.450

0.400
A balance between this and the above mentioned
0.350 0.350
factors should be established.
0.300
0.250
0.300
0.250
A mixer can only be operated when it is sub-
0.200 0.200
merged and it has a higher thrust-to-power
0.150 0.150 Pump design for emptying the tank
0.100 0.100 ratio than the RainJet. When the water level
0.050 0.050
0.000 0.000 drops to a certain level above the mixer, it
[m s^-1] [m s^-1] Implicit in emptying (or filling) a stormwater tank is
might create a vortex which lowers perfor-
that huge variations in the hydraulic characteristics
mance and creates unbalanced conditions
of the system will be experienced.
Velocity
Contour 1
Velocity
Contour 1
around the mixer.
0.500 0.500

0.450 0.450 Controlling the outflow provides some challeng-

The RainJet on the other hand can work with
es, as the hydraulic characteristics of the system
0.400 0.400

great performance even when it is unsub-

0.350 0.350

change drastically during drainage, from large flow

0.300 0.300

merged, as long as the suction pipe provides

0.250 0.250
0.200 0.200
with low head to low flow with high head. Pumping
0.150 0.150
enough suction pressure to overcome the
0.100 0.100
with a duty point too far either to the left or right of
0.050 0.050
required Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH).
0.000 0.000
the best efficiency point can result in reduced pump
[m s^-1] [m s^-1]
lifetime in addition to increased energy costs.
14 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 15

Due to this huge change in duty conditions during However, the design of the stormwater system
emptying specific demands are set when design- might have certain constraints that must also be
ing the outlet system of the stormwater tank and it taken into consideration when draining the tank. h1 Max.water level
h1: highest water level ΔHmax: highest differential headloss
should be secured that the duty point will not reach For example, this could be desired emptying time or h2: lowest water level ΔHmin: lowest differential headloss
these extremes of the pump curve. maximum and minimum flow. Qmax: highest flow A: area of the tank
h2 Qmin: lowest flow T: required time for emptying
When system conditions result in an operating Qin: inflow to the tank Kv: pipe flow resistance
point exceeding the preferable operating range, this FACTS: Qin g: gravitational acceleration
Min.water level
modifies the pressure acting on one of the sides of Minimum velocity for riser pipe ρ: density
the impeller. This will result in unbalanced condi- To make sure that sand and similar materi-
tions, resulting in radial thrust which will deflect als can be pumped out of the tank through
the pump shaft causing for example excessive load the riser pipe a minimum velocity, for Figure 16:
on the bearings, deflection of the mechanical seal example 1-1.5 m/s, must be maintained,
and irregular wear on these parts. depending on pipe configuration and 1) Pump hydraulics based on required emptying time and maximum outflow Schematic
particle characteristics. This velocity cor- representation of
If the duty point is too far to the left on the curve it responds to a minimum flow that must be the system defining
can result in labile pump operation and excessive kept in the riser pipe. Assuming the average flow can be calculated as the Qmin + Qmax h – h1 how to calculate
wear due to recirculation of abrasive particles in the mean between the maximum and minimum flow: =A 2
2 T pump hydraulics
pump because they cannot be removed from the and emptying time.
system. If the duty point on the other hand is too Obeying the constraints put on the system provides
far to the right on the curve it may cause cavitations some challenges when selecting pumps due to the h2 – h1
due to an increase in NPSH. great changes in hydraulic characteristics. Using The minimum flow can then be calculated as: Qmin = 2A – Qmax
T
the model and equations below, it is possible to es-
Controlling the outflow can be done using vari- timate:
able speed controlled pumps or by gravity through
motor valves, but in both cases the system curve • Pump hydraulics based on required emptying Figure 17:
for the application will vary as shown in Figure 14. time and maximum outflow The two working points of the system (Qmin ; ΔHmin)
H
Pumps and motor valves are normally controlled via • Pump hydraulics based on required emptying are given by Working points of a
flow measurements in the sewer system, so it will time and minimum outflow pump system. Note
not be hydraulically overloaded during emptying of • Tank emptying time based on a specific pump (Qmax, ΔHmax) and (Qmin, ΔHmin) (Qmax ; ΔHmax) that with this nota-
the tank. curve tion ΔHmax < ΔHmin
as illustrated in Figure 17. h2
When gravity cannot do the job, frequency con- These estimations then show the specific required
trolled pumps can match smoothly the actual ca- hydraulic performance for the pump, to make sure it h1
pacity of the sewer system during emptying (see stays within the acceptable duty area, even though
Q
Figure 15). large variations are encountered (see Figure 16).

The headloss (ΔH) of these working points can be calculated based on maximum and minimum flow from
the following equations:
Figure 14:
Min.water level
ΔHmax = KvQmax² + ρgh1
H
The great
difference in
h1 ΔHmin = KvQmin² + ρgh2
hydraulic charact- Max.water level
Max.water level
eristics when
emptying a h2 EXAMPLE:
h2
stormwater tank
Given an application with the following conditions:
is shown here.
Min.water level
h1 T: 11 hours = 39,600 sec
Q h1: 6 m
h2: 0 m
Qmax: 0.1 m³/s
Qin: 0 m³/s
Figure 15: A: 500 m²

The great differ- H Min.water level Capacity of

Flowmeter sewer system The minimum flow reached during emptying within the given conditions is:
ence in hydraulic
characteristics h1
Qmin = 2 x 500 x 6 – 0 – 0.1 = 0.05 m3/s
Max.water level
VFD
when emptying a Max.water level
39,600
stormwater tank. To h2 h2
respect the capacity 50 Hz
The minimum flow should then at least be 0.05 m3/s. The two working points of the pump system can
40 Hz
of the sewer system, 33 Hz then be found when knowing:
h1 25 Hz
the pump is being Min.water level
ρ: 1000 kg/m³
controlled by a Q
g: 9.82 m/s²
frequency converter.
16 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 17

Kv: 2,455,000 kg/m7 at Qmax

Physical design
Kv: 9,820,000 kg/m7 at Qmin of stormwater tanks
ΔHmax = 2,455,000 x 0.12 + 1000 x 9.82(8 – 6) = 44,190 pa ≈ 4.5 mWC* The physical design of the stormwater tank is of
utmost importance for obtaining trouble-free op-
ΔHmin = 9,820,000 x 0.05 + 1000 x 9.82(8 – 0) = 103,190 pa ≈ 10.5 mWC*
2
eration and is also important in regards to how ef-
ficiently it can be cleaned. When thinking about the
physical design of the tank, it is not enough to con-
(0.05 ; 10.5)
H sider only the dimensions, total volume of the tank
and for existing tanks the remaining lifetime of the
concrete structure. Just as important is the physi-
(0.1 ; 4.5) cal layout of the bottom plate and benches as well
as including a properly designed sump and drain-
age channel, among others. An illustration defining
8m technical terms in connection with the physical de-
sign of a stormwater tank is shown in Figure 18.
2m
Below is an elaborated description of what is im-
Q
portant when designing the physical structures of
the tank.
*)1 mWC = 9,806.95 Pa
Form and shape
2) Pump hydraulics based on required emptying time and minimum outflow
For the purpose of storm water detention, both new
In contrary to the above, the minimum required flow can be a prerequisite together with the desired time and existing tanks can be used. New tanks can be
for emptying. The maximum flow of the pump can then be calculated to keep the required time and, simi- constructed specifically for the purpose whereas
lar to the above, the two working points can be found based on the maximum and minimum flows. existing tanks with a little effort can be rebuilt to
meet the layout requirements.
h2 – h1
Qmax = 2A – Qmin The form and shape of the tank does not limit
T the usability for storm water detention, meaning
square, rectangular or round tanks and other forms
and shapes can be used for the purpose. This gives
3) Calculating emptying time based on specific pump curve the flexibility to use existing tanks or fit in new
tanks wherever space is available.
For a given pump or pump system it might be necessary to estimate the emptying time of the tank. This
time can be calculated based on the maximum and minimum flow obtained from the pump operating Rebuilding existing tanks might provide some
points of the system by the following equation: challenges. Besides estimating the remaining life-
time and the specific layout of the construction,
2A(h2 – h1) the buoyancy of the tank must also be taken into
T=
Qmax + Qmin consideration. This should be considered, as the
up force on an empty tank can be so powerful that
it might collapse or float. Coping with this can be
handled in different ways: by permanently lowering
the water table, increasing the ballast of the tank or
incorporating gate valves into the tank, which lets
in water if the water table rises.
Bottom plate
Design of the stormwater tank bottom plate is a
critical parameter for an efficient removal of solids
from the tank. For automatic cleaning with a Rain-
Jet, the bottom plate should have a slope of around
1-4 % towards the tank outlet. In addition to the
slope, the texture of the bottom plate is also impor-
tant. The plate should be smoothened to minimise
roughness and avoid local depressions in the plate
where water preferentially will run and form stream
channels or impose additional flow resistance.
The determining factor for moving solids deposited
at the bottom plate to the outlet during step 3 and
4 in the cleaning phase is the shear stress (τ). The
shear stress is the force acting between the flow
of water and the deposited material which can be
calculated as:
τ=γxRxI
τ: Shear stress (N/m2)
γ: Specific weight of water (N/m3)
R: Hydraulic radius (m)
I: Bottom plate slope (m/m)

Figure 18:
EXAMPLE:
Given an application with the following conditions: Inlet pipe Bench Bottom plate Spillway Overflow The terms used in
pipe connection with the
h1: 6 m physical design of
h2: 0 m an open rectangular
Qmax: 0.1 m³/s stormwater tank
Qmin: 0.05 m³/s
Qin: 0 m³/s
A: 500 m²
Outflow pipe
The time for emptying will be:

Bottom slope
T = 2 x 500 x 0.1 – 0.05 (6 – 0) = 40,000 sec ≈ 11 hours
0.1² – 0.05²
Sump with benches
18 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 19

Figure 19: The shear stress needed to ob- The actual slope of the tank will in practise be de- • The fact that the effective jet length of the Rain-
tain self cleaning can vary sig- termined by several factors which together ensure Jet is inversely related to the slope of the bot-
Bottom displace- nificantly depending on what that the desired displacement force is met. These tom plate, with regards to having sufficient fall
6
ment forces as a kind of material is contained factors are: towards the sump, so water and material will be
function of slope in the storm water. This is in transported in this direction.
5
and flow. The simple regard to size, weight and tex- • Ensuring that the tank is dug as deep as is fea-
spreadsheet model ture where greasy, and heavy sible
4
used to construct material consisting of large
particles requires a higher τ to Displacement • Selection of the RainJet with the lowest possible
the graph assumes 3 forces [N/m2]
that the water flow- obtain self cleaning. In storm- power consumption to deliver the required jet
ing from the back water sewers a τ of 2-4 N/m2 is 2 length and flow
wall of the tank and normally considered sufficient
back to the sump is for obtaining self cleaning and 0,080 1
equally distributed used as dimensioning criteria. 0,060
This is therefore also seen as a Flow [m3/s] 0 Benches
over the entire cross
guide for the bottom plate of a 0,040 2,50%
section of the tank. 1,50% 2,00%
0,50% 1,00% Figure 21:
The model does not stormwater tank during final Slope [m/m]
To avoid accumulation of solids in for example the
take into account emptying. corners of the tank, flow patterns with least pos-
that parts of the sible hydraulic losses should be established to mini- Velocity profile of
cross section is taken mise required power consumption of the cleaning a liquid flowing over
up by the water jet For stormwater tanks with relatively low water Furthermore it can also be seen that at a slope of equipment. When water flows over a surface the a surface.
generated from the depth, the hydraulic radius can be considered to be 8% and a RainJet performance of 50 l/s the water velocity will decrease the closer the distance to the
RainJet, which flows equal to the natural depth of water over the bottom jet partly terminates prior to reaching the back wall surface is due to the friction losses exhibited by the

Distance to wall
in the opposite plate. This depth can be estimated from the Man- as it hits the bottom of the tank. At the interception texture of the surface (Figure 21).
direction. ning equation based on the surface roughness, bot- with the bottom plate the water jet looses energy.
tom slope and water flow from the RainJet. This interception reduces the cleaning and mixing In corners or where the tank walls and bottom
action of the jet which also is evident when com- meet, two surfaces are in close proximity, and this
Visualised by a simple spreadsheet model increas- paring the velocity contours at the simulations. will decrease the velocity significantly due to the
Figure 20: ing either the water flow through the RainJet and friction losses from both of these surfaces. The low
thereby the hydraulic radius or the bottom slope Increasing RainJet performance to 75 l/s ensures velocity in this area will favour sedimentation of
The bottom slope will result in increasing displacement forces, ensur- that the water jet reaches the back wall even at material. Of course, applying excessive power could
directly influences ing that the tank will be self-cleaning. a slope of 8%. However the water jet has reduced well maintain a high velocity; however this cannot
Velocity
the jet length of the power for mixing and cleaning as some of the ener- be justified economically. Slanting benches could
RainJet, where an However, increasing these two parameters infinitely gy is lost at the bottom plate which is evident from be made to minimise the effect of friction losses in
increasing bottom is not practical or economical in relation to power con- the velocity contour plots when comparing the two these areas (Figure 22), and increasing power input
slope decreases the sumption for example and may induce undesirable simulations with different slopes and RainJet per- ought not to be considered. These benches can ei-
effective jet length. side effects that minimise cleaning efficiency. formance of 75 l/s. ther be made in the corner or as benches running
Left: tanks with along the entire side of the tank.
slope of 1%. Right: The CFD simulations in Figure 20 illustrate how the
tanks with slope effective jet length of the RainJet is directly influ-
of 8%. Top: RainJet enced by the slope of the bottom plate. From the
performance of 50 flow velocity profile it can be observed that the jet
l/s. Bottom: RainJet length in a tank with a bottom plate slope of 1% has
performance 75 l/s. a better reach compared to a slope of 8% at equal
All other conditions RainJet performance.
are equal.

Velocity
Contour 1
Velocity
Contour 1
Figure 22:
0.500 0.50

Benches in a
0.450 0.45
0.400 0.40

0.350
0.300
0.35
0.30
stormwater tank to
0.250
0.200
0.25
0.20
minimise friction
0.150
0.100
0.15
0.10
losses at corners and
0.050

0.000
0.05

0.00
to mimic natural
[m s^-1] [m s^-1] flow patterns.

Left: benches run-

Velocity Velocity
Contour 1 Contour 1 ning along both
sides of the tank in
0.500 0.50
0.450 0.45

0.400
0.350
0.40
0.35
the entire longitudi-
0.300

0.250
0.30

0.25
nal direction.
0.200
0.150
0.20
0.15
Right: bench at the
0.100
0.050
0.10
0.05
corner at the wall
0.000 0.00 furthest away from
[m s^-1] [m s^-1]
the RainJet.
20 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 21

The effect on wall shear stress in the stormwater
tank when using benches has been simulated. Ve-
locity contour plots showing a corner of the storm-
water tank are presented in Figure 23 in situations
both with and without a bench.
As can be seen the corner bench and the side bench
will exhibit more or less the same effect close to the
back wall of the tank where the low shear stress in
the corner is eliminated. The remaining part of the
side bench will first give maximum benefit during
step 3 and 4 of the cleaning phase when the water
level is low.
In this situation a similar effect will be seen as with
the corner, where areas with low shear stress are
eliminated, due to the slanting benches.
Dimensions
Area
Basically, the physical area of a tank, whether new
or old, does not limit the applicability for storm wa-
ter detention and implementation of a subsequent
hygienic cleaning. However it is not only the specific
tank area that must be taken into account when de-
ciding which equipment to install in the tank, the
length/width ratio is even more important and ba-
sically determines which type of RainJet to install.
In Figure 24 a RainJet capable of cleaning 78 m2 has
been installed in a tank of equal area in two differ-
ent positions.
In the first position the length/width ratio of the
Besides the height differences, available space (foot
print) also helps the decision whether to build shal-
low tanks over large areas or deep tanks that do not
claim much land. However, building deep might be
expensive due to a high groundwater level, for ex-
ample, so the final design will be a compromise be-
tween actual conditions on site, minimum required
slope and maximum available foot print.
Velocity
Contour 1
0.500

tank suits the water jet generated from the Rain-

0.450

0.400

Jet through all phases of stormwater tank opera- 0.350

0.300

tion; from mixing to the final cleaning phase. In the 0.250

0.200

first case almost all of the energy in the jet stream 0.150

0.100

will be utilised for mixing and cleaning, and subse- 0.050

0.000

quently the jet will be able to spread all the way to [m s^-1]

the side walls during final cleaning. In the second

position, where the RainJet is placed on the longest
side, most of the power in the water jet is lost on
the tank wall which means that less power will be Velocity
Contour 1
available for mixing and cleaning. Furthermore, 0.500

when the water level is at the end of the depletion

0.450
0.400

period the water jet will not be able to spread all the
0.350

0.300

Zoom area way to the corners, leaving settled material at the 0.250
0.200

side of the tank. 0.150

0.100

0.050
0.000

[m s^-1]

Length/ Ejector type

Width ratio
RainJet WA ~3 Water/Air Figure 24:

RainJet WW ~2 Water/Water
The tank surface area
Wall Shear should be made in a cer-
0.50
Velocity
Contour 1 tain length/width ratio
0.45

0.40
0.500
0.450
in order for the RainJet
0.35 The length/width ratio of the RainJet changes de- 0.400 to provide proper mixing
0.350
0.30
0.25
pending on the actual bottom slope. At a slope of 0.300 and cleaning.
around 1 % the RainJets have the following specific
0.250

0.20 0.200

length/width ratios of their water jets.

0.150
0.15
0.100
0.10
0.050
0.05 0.000

0.00 When constructing new tanks specifically for the [m s^-1]

[Pa]
purpose of storm water detention, it is therefore
advantageous already in the design phase to con-
sider what type of RainJet is intended for keeping
the tank clean so the tank area can be designed in a
Figure 23: specific length/width ratio.

Shear stress contour plots to show differences in wall shear stress when using benches in a stormwater tank. Depth
Simulations are made at high water level under steady state conditions and an increase in shear stress will be The depth of the tank is chosen based on the height Velocity
expected as water level drops during the depletion period. differences in the catchment area and the actual
Contour 1
0.500

depth of the sewer system. This height difference 0.450

0.400
Simulations show a zoom on one of the corners furthest away from the RainJet. sets the basis for tank layout as there is a limit for 0.350
0.300

the maximal acceptable back water level in the sys- 0.250

From the left: tank without benches; tank with bench in the corner; tank with bench running along the side.
0.200

tem. This results in either a shallow self-emptying 0.150

tank being used or, as used in most instances, a

0.100
0.050

deeper tank, where emptying must be done by

0.000

[m s^-1]

pumps.
22 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 23

Storage volume When designing a tank, Qin must be chosen based Inlet Figure 27:
on the stormwater event that will give maximum
Dimensioning a stormwater tank consists of es- volume for a predefined overload criterion. This can Guiding storm water into the stormwater tank can, Scumboards An example of a
Inlet
tablishing the storage volume that will ensure a be based on the overload frequency or repetition depending on the placement of the tank, be han- flow split structure
desired equalisation in the runoff based on a given period. Qout on the other hand can be determined dled either by gravity or by using pumps. The inlet Overflow where water at a
weir
maximum overload criterion. freely but it is desirable that it is as constant as pos- should be constructed with backflow protection to flow exceeding the
sible to avoid overload of the sewer system when avoid the stormwater tank putting an unintended outlet flow will be
To make this calculation, the system can be simpli- the water is guided back. hydraulic load on the system that the tank is in fact diverted into the
fied by only taking the inflow (Qin) and outflow (Qout) designed to relieve. stormwater tank for
that corresponds to the storm water runoff flow. For As actual data for stormwater events in an exact temporary storage.
a combined sewer system, the dry weather flow is area is seldom available, the stormwater events For off-line detention, the inlet structure can be de- The flow split struc-
therefore not a part of the calculation. used for dimensioning the storage volume are signed as a weir overflow that functions only when ture can be designed
based on validated constructed data or historical a predetermined flow in the sewer is exceeded (Fig. with or without
The continuity equation for a tank during filling or stormwater events. These data contain information 27). The overflow can then be guided from the over- scumboards.
emptying is described by: about intensity, volume, duration, frequency, etc., flow structure to the stormwater tank by gravity or
To stormwater
that can be used to estimate the storage volume. using pumps. tank
dV dh
Qin – Qout = =Ax Visualising the stormwater events on a duration For in-line detention, throttling in response to dif- Outlet
dt dt
curve or by similar representation can help to es- ference in pipe dimensions between inlet and out-
Where V is the volume, A is the area and h is the wa- timate the necessary or cost-effective storage vol- let pipes will ensure that water will backup in the
ter level in the tank. By integration of the continuity ume that will ensure that the predefined number of stormwater tank (Fig. 28). Here, gravity can normally
Inlet
equation the storage volume can be found as: overloads from the tank is not exceeded. From the be used to convey water both in and out of the tank.
curve can be read how large the volume of the tank In-line detention requires that the backwater level
hmax t1
should be to be able to store the water from, for ex- does not exceed the lowest points in the system it
V = ∫ A x dh = ∫ (Qin – Q out) dt ample, 90% of all stormwater events, or for events relieves, if flooding of upstream areas is to be avoid-
hmin 0 having a volume equal to or bigger than a defined ed.
value. The duration curve can furthermore be used
Where hmin is the minimum water level, hmax is the to estimate whether it will be beneficial to split up When guiding water to the stormwater tank, the
maximum water level and t1 is the filling time. the storage volume of the tank into several sub vol- inflow must fulfil what may appear to be conflict-
umes. This could be useful to consider if the tank ing tasks. The inflow should be as fast as possible to Inlet
The needed storage volume for a certain in- and only becomes partly filled during most stormwater relieve the hydraulic load of the sewer system; and
outflow to the tank can be graphically shown as in events as it will only be necessary to clean a section yet the momentum of the inflow should be limited
Outlet
Figure 25. of the tank and not the whole tank. to avoid that material in the tank is in suspension. Overflow
Outlet
to recipient
During the filling period, sedimentation of organic
matter is desired due to the risk of overflow, and Figure 28:
Outlet turbulence in the tank should therefore be mini-
dry weather mised. The only hydraulic disturbance in the tank An example of throttling in an in-line detention,
Figure 25: during filling will be the inflow jet. Dissipating where the inlet pipe has a bigger diameter than
flow (Q)
the momentum in the inflow jet will decrease the the outlet pipe. When the capacity of the outlet is
Storage turbulence, enhancing the settling of material in exceeded water will accumulate in the stormwater
volume Inflow hydrograph illustrating how to
estimate the necessary storage volume based the tank. Slowing down the inflow jet can be done tank.
Qout on inflow and outflow of the stormwater using a weir overflow, a baffle, or other similar ar-
Qin tank or upstream a flow split device. rangements.
Figure 29:
Grit and stone chamber
Outlet Screen
A grit and stone
The significant amount of water that arrives at chamber can be
time (t) the stormwater tank during rainfalls is powerful
Filling period Emptying period
integrated in the
enough to drag large concrete chunks or other large sewer system before
obstacles with it. Having these objects scattered on Waste the stormwater
the tank floor will reduce cleaning efficiency as well collection
tank in order to trap
from screen
as damage the installed equipment. In some cases, large contaminants
Figure 26: the inflow can then be guided through a separate
Volume (V) instead of letting
reservoir where grit, stones, litter and other large them enter into the
Graph used for estimating for example the objects can be captured, preventing this problem
Overflow stormwater tank.
volumen needed storage volume of a stormwater (Fig. 29). This reservoir must be constructed in a way
Sediment
from tank trap
tank, the number of compartments needed that ensures organic matter does not settle but is
Weir
to minimise cleaning, or the number of dragged into the stormwater tank, to avoid odours wall
Designed
expected overflows based on a certain tank from the chamber.
volume size. Occurrence is defined as the number
of tank To stormwater
of events that give rise to a water volume Independent of chamber design, an access must be tank
equal to or bigger than a certain volume, constructed in order to empty the chamber for the
divided by the total number of events. trapped material at regular intervals and for service
Inlet
Occurrence (n)
inspections.
24 Stormwater tanks
Outlet
From the stormwater tank there must be at least
two outlets; a controlled outlet and an emergency
outlet.
When storm water inflow ceases and the emptying
period is initiated, the stored water should be guid-
ed back to the sewer system where it is conveyed to
the treatment plant. This must be done in a man-
ner to ensure the sewer system is not overloaded.
Using a controlled outlet provides the opportunity
to control and regulate the emptying of the stored
water in consideration of the actual load and ca-
pacity of the sewer system. In advanced control sys-
tems, where wastewater flows in citywide systems
are optimised continuously, other parameters such
as the water levels in other storage tanks can de-
cide the outflow pumping operation of the specific
tank. Using pumps for a coordinated control of the
sewer system thereby enables that advanced con-
trol strategies can be used to optimise and manage
wastewater flows in the entire system. However the
outflow capacity and pipe dimension should still be
designed and constructed so the outlet structure is
capable of guiding suspended solids out of the tank
without settling and thus blocking the outlet.
Moreover, the use of pumps or motor valves gives
the opportunity to refine cleaning of the tank by re-
ducing the outflow. This reduction should normally
be done in the last period of the cleaning process at
low water level. Setting the actual volume of water
during flow reduction must be done in relation to
the total storage volume. The volume left during
cleaning must be negligible compared to the total
volume in order to cope with any possible stormwa-
ter event that can take place during this process.
By a careful control of the outlet, the RainJet works
as a continuous flush cleaning system that can be
tuned to the actual conditions and demands com-
pared to single flush systems. This gives an oppor-
tunity to run an optimal cleaning process where the
exact energy needed to obtain complete cleaning
is matched specifically. This is obtained through a
predefined cleaning time calibrated according to
the actual demands.
Figure 30:
A water brake can dissipate the outflow mo-
mentum. The water flow is guided tangential-
ly into the volute of the hydro brake where a
vortex will form. The resulting high peripheral
velocities will create an air-filled core which
will result in increased back pressure that
reduces the discharge flow to the designed
maximum limit.
If the outlet flows uncontrolled from the tank
through an outlet pipe, a flow regulator device is
often incorporated to work as a brake for the capac-
ity. However this will not adjust precisely to the ac-
tual capacity of the sewer system but in some cases
serve the purpose (see Figure 30).
Emergency outlet
Sending untreated wastewater to the recipient is
not desirable. The stormwater tank’s function is
to accumulate polluting material and reduce the
number of overflows from the tank. It is however
not economically feasible to construct stormwater
tanks that are large enough to cope with all storm-
water events and an evaluation based on the water
quality goals of the recipient. The risk for overflows
from a tank with a certain storage volume is based
on statistical data for 10, 50 or 100 year storm events
as well as the duration curves.
The storm water in excess of the storage volume
needs to be directed safely and in a controlled man-
ner out of the tank, instead of causing a hydraulic
overload of the sewer system. The stormwater tank
must therefore be equipped with an overflow ar-
rangement, such as a spillway or a pump, which can
at least discharge an amount corresponding to the
maximal inflow to the tank (Fig. 6).
Positioning of the overflow arrangement should be
done so that a short cut from the inlet to the emer-
gency outlet is avoided. This can be done by plac-
ing them far a part from each other, with hydrau-
lic streamlines taken into considerations. Where
possible, the inlet and emergency outlet should be
placed in different sections of the tank.
During the filling of the tank, the intention is that
suspended solids settle at the bottom of the tank.
When using pumps to cope with the overflow, it is
therefore not advisable to pump from the bottom
of the tank, as large amounts of settled matter will
be flushed out to the recipient, and this is to be
avoided. Instead, pumps with large flows and most
often low heads should be installed to pump from
the uppermost volume of the stored water.
H
(Qdim.Hdim)
Stormwater tanks 25
When using spillways or overflow weirs, floatables Figure 31:
and other suspended pollutants will be washed Outlet to
Scumboard recipient
to the recipient. To minimise this pollution, the Examples of a skim-
overflow arrangement should be equipped with a mer arrangement
skimmer and/or a screen (Fig. 31). Screens can be in- that will detain
stalled either vertically or horizontally, with or with- most floatable
out build-in skimmers. Depending on the design of material in the
the emergency outlet, one type may be preferred stormwater tank.
over another. Independent of installation, the ma- Spillway
terial captured on the screen must be automatical-
ly returned to the detained water in the tank with
which it will be conveyed to the wastewater treat-
ment plant. This is to minimise the need for service
of the tank.
Depending on the water quality goal for the receiv-
ing water, other arrangements, such as flow regula-
tors to minimise erosion of the recipient or equip- Sump and runoff channel
ment for disinfection, must also be considered at
the emergency outlet. The sump and runoff channel must be constructed
in a way so the detained water with suspended so-
When the water in the tank reaches a level where it lids is conveyed to the outlet pump or gravity outlet
spills over the overflow weir, a backwater effect in independent of outlet capacity. It is important that
the tank will occur. This level, h, can be estimated by the sump contains an edge/weir that the sand can
the following equation based on the water flow, Q, fall over. This will prevent sand accumulating at the
and width of the weir, B. The coefficient C is specific bottom plate around the outlet and behind the
for the dimension and design of the weir and must cleaning equipment.
be chosen accordingly in some cases it must be de-
termined experimentally. The sump can furthermore increase operation time
of the RainJet and hence cleaning time. This can be
done if the RainJet is equipped with a water inlet
Q = C x B x h x √2 x g x h pipe that draws in water from the sump in a level
below the bottom plate figure 33.
The expected backwater level should be estimated
and it must be taken into account when placing If the RainJet does not have a water inlet pipe and
the overflow arrangements in order not have water must be stopped before the water level is below the
spilling over the sides of the tank. This means that bottom plate, some of the suspended material in
the tank walls must be higher than the maximum the remaining water will have time for settling at
water level, thus a certain volume of the tank can- the bottom of the tank (Figure 33 left).
not be used for storage. In addition to this back-
water level a certain safety margin is also included As the slope of the tank for practical and economi- Figure 32:
when placing the weir, making the storage volume cal reasons is not steep enough, the passive grav-
even less as the difference between weir and edge ity water flow cannot drag the settled material to Sketch showing the
of the tank is increased. the sump which means that the tank will not be additional storage
cleaned completely. volume gained with
To utilise the entire volume of the tank, tip-weirs a tip-weir installed
can be installed. This will make it possible for the at the emergency
water to backup to the top of the tank, thus giving outlet in contrary
additional time for settling of material, before an to having a weir
eventual overflow occurs (Fig. 32). overflow.
Additional storage
volume during
Max. backup Lost storage Lost storage filling
water level volume volume
Start
Start overflow
overflow
Storage Storage
volume To recipient volume To recipient
Q
26 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 27

mon pump to feed several ejectors, or outlet pumps Figure 35:

!
if these are necessary. By installing equipment in
the runoff channel, the amount of equipment in- Slanting benches in
stalled at the bottom plate is minimised and this a wall placed runoff
means far less additional flow resistance and fewer channel. Note that
places for unwanted sedimentation. the benches start
below the bottom
Installation of equipment in the sump should plate so the material
be done in a way so suspended solids carried to in the tank can fall
the sump do not accumulate and block the out- into the sump and
let. This requires that the distance between indi- get flushed away.
vidual pumps as well as pumps and walls should
be at least equal to the free passage of the pump.
However, larger impurities might be dragged into
the tank depending on upstream measurements,
Figure 33: However, if the RainJet is able to flush until the wa- to the outlet. It is furthermore important that the which should also be taken into account during po-
ter level has dropped below the bottom plate, it will benches are constructed so they have a clearance sitioning.
The effect of first stop when the remaining water is present in height up to the bottom plate (Figure 35). This will
having an inlet the sump (Figure 33 right). The limited volume of allow solids that are dragged to the sump to fall into Self cleaning of the runoff channel
water pipe on the water left in the sump will give a relatively short de- the runoff channel and get flushed away. Without
pump is that clean- tention time, limiting the time for settling of mate- this clearance height solids might be flushed back As no actual flushing by the RainJet takes place in Increasing the outlet flow will yield a higher bottom
ing can proceed rials. Together with the slope of the sump, this will up on the bottom plate and deposit at the walls be- the runoff channel it can be compared to a sewer shear stress in the runoff channel as expected. The
until the tank is ensure that all suspended materials are conveyed hind the RainJet. pipe, and therefore it must be designed to be self magnitude of the outlet flow needed to obtain the
practically empty so back to the sewer system. cleaning. This ensures that all material dragged necessary shear stress in the sump depends among
the entire bottom The actual tank shape and positioning of the sump down from the bottom plate will be conveyed to the other things on the slope. This therefore implies
plate can be The sump can be positioned in different ways in the provides the basis for how cleaning equipment pump sump or gravity outlet and removed from the that the slope and outlet flow somehow should
completely cleaned. tank. For rectangular tanks it is often placed at one should be installed for efficient cleaning. Choosing stormwater tank. be harmonised to ensure an efficient cleaning. The
end of the tank walls or traversing the tank at the one or the other positioning of the sump in a cer- RainJet will furthermore recirculate a lot of water
middle. For circular tanks it can be positioned at a tain tank shape depends, among other things, on Self cleaning of sewers is often linked to water ve- during the emptying period, which also will aid in
tank wall or at the centre of the tank (Fig. 34). the desired accessibility of equipment and piping, locity and for pipes in sewer systems self cleaning is flushing the sump.
construction costs and maximal depth of construc- obtained with a water velocity above 0.8 m/s. Thus
Independent of sump layout, effective removal of tion. keeping this velocity as a minimum in the runoff At a small outlet flow there will be a risk that mat-
material in the runoff channel is best obtained if channel of the stormwater tank will ensure that de- ters collected in the sump will build up and ulti-
benches are constructed to mimic hydrodynamic Another important issue when designing the sump tained material is conveyed away from the sump. mately block the outflow pipe due to a too low
flow patterns, thus reducing areas where sedimen- is the fact that there must be space reserved for the shear stress in the channel. Therefore it is crucial to
tation can take place and helping to guide water installation of equipment such as RainJets, a com- Water speed is not a completely reliable measure for design the sump with a high enough outlet flow to
the ability of water to carry material, as the mean make sure that matters collected in the sump are
speed for different cross sections and diameters will effectively conveyed to the sewer system through
give different carrying abilities. On the other hand, the outlet pipe or pump.
self cleaning of the runoff channel can be expressed
Figure 34: as the shear stress (τ) acting at the bottom surface Also during final cleaning, when the water falls Figure 36:
as explained above (see paragraph about bottom from the bottom plate and into the sump, the self
Sump positioning plates on page 17). cleaning will be enhanced as the turbulence cre- Bottom shear
in different tank ated by this action will keep material in suspension stress in the sump
shapes. Left: wall To illustrate how the outlet flow influences the self- in the water while it flows to the outlet. with a slope of 8%
placed sump in a cleaning ability during final cleaning, simulations at different outlet
rectangular and varying this parameter have been made. The simu- flows.
circular tank. Right: lations show the bottom shear stress in the runoff From left 50 l/s,
traversing sump in channel which is emptied by gravity through an 200 l/s and 400 l/s.
a rectangular tank
Sump
outlet pipe. However the same would be the case if
and centre sump in a pump has been used for the purpose.
a circular tank.

Sump Wall Shear

0.50
0.45

0.40

0.35
0.30

0.25

0.20
0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

[Pa]
Sump Sump
28 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 29

Figure 37: Open/Closed tank configuration

Difference in maximal Stormwater tanks can either be constructed as open layout of RainJets in the tank, such that these can
depth, depending on or closed structures. Choosing one or the other con- be placed to minimise dead zones around pillars.
where the outlet from figuration will be a balance between several factors,
the sump is placed. which usually end up decided by location of the When a covered tank is filled, washed down and

4%
tank. Some of the things to consider when choosing
Difference in
depth of either of the configurations are described below.
construction 0.18
Open tanks
Open tanks offer the possibility to easily control
conditions in the tank, offer simple inspection of
the cleaning process in the tank, and a relatively
emptied with wastewater, there must be effective
ventilation that ensures the installation with a
change in air volume that matches the changes in
water volume, so the construction is not damaged
by pressure differences, and which also ensures
that gases do not accumulate in critical concentra-
tions of a toxic or explosive character.

4%
Depth of construction
The higher the shear stress that can be obtained
in the runoff channel the more certain one can be
that material will be carried away. However, the
actual slope of the channel will be a compromise
between the possible depth and the economics of
construction, compared to the ability to obtain self
cleaning.
The maximal depth of construction might set the
basis for how the sump should be designed; wheth-
er the channel should slant to one of the sides of
the sump or to the middle (Figure 37).
For several tanks placed together or a tank split in
many sections, basically three possibilities of the
outlet location exist, as shown in Figure 38, which
will result in different construction depths.
As exemplified in Figure 37, the rightmost sump
configuration in Figure 38 gives the smallest possi-
ble construction depth when using identical slopes
in the sumps.
However, even though it is possible to minimise the
construction depth by placing the outlet centrally
in the sump, other factors might influence this as
well. The factors that should be considered Inlet
are, for
example, pipework, material and equipment need-
ed, placement of the adjacent sewer system as well
as interconnection between other tank sections
when choosing the outlet placement. What Inlet
will be
the best design must be evaluated in each case.
Outlet Inlet
Wall-placed sump
The runoff channel must be designed taking into
consideration the water velocity of the arriving
water. If the velocity of the water running to the
runoff channel is too high and the flow cannot be
absorbed by the channel, a reflection wave might
arise which will flush water back up on the bottom
plate, possibly depositing solids.
On this basis, it could be tempting to create the run-
off channel very wide or deep. However, creating a
wide channel will lower the water velocity during
the final emptying of the channel, which can favour
sedimentation in the sump. Making it too deep will
on the other hand increases construction costs. As
a result, the width and depth of the channel is a
compromise between the ability to absorb the flow
arriving from the bottom plate, still being able to
keep an appropriate velocity, and keeping a reason-
able construction price.
Centre sump
During cleaning of a circular tank, the water circu-
lation created will force the water to arrive auto-
matically at the sump due to the outlet flow. In the
middle of the circulating water volume, the veloc-
ity will approach zero, which results in suspended
solids effectively settling at the centre of the tank
where the sump is placed.
Independent of whether pumps or gravity are used
for emptying the tank, the bottom of the sump
Inlet
should preferably be designed with benches to
mimic natural flow patterns and thus prevent sedi-
mentation inside the sump.
Inlet
uncomplicated access to the tank. Ventilation to
remove toxic or explosive gases is implicit in the
design, although dependant on depth. Besides that
there are typically few or no obstructions, such as
pillars to support a cover that will interfere with the
cleaning jets.
However, there are also consequences which can in-
clude inconvenience from noise and odours that af-
fect surrounding areas, and the open tank requires
closing off the tank with a security fence, to ensure
that people and animals do not fall into the tank.
Closed tanks
Closed or covered tanks offer the possibility for re-
ducing problems due to noise and odour for sur-
rounding areas, avoiding aesthetic inconveniences,
and they can therefore be placed in urban areas
without putting up security fences to keep people
and animals out. Furthermore, they can be designed
so that it blends neutrally into the surroundings by
placing it underground.
Covering the tank can, however, have the conse-
quence that maintaining a visual control of condi-
tions in the tank is often difficult. Solving such an
issue requires installing hatch covers. These must
enable viewing into the tank, allow for servicing of
machinery, and provide service access for the en-
tire tank (see also the section about Service Access,
page 30).
Normally a cover also requires supports in the form
of pillars in the tank. These supports create friction
for water circulation during cleaning and make a
thorough cleaning around these structures diffi-
cult. Placement of these ought then to be known
in the design phase for the specification of size and
Inlet
The ventilation system should of course be installed
to ensure that the speed of air exiting the system
does not create an unreasonable level of noise,
which in built-up areas may well be regulated.
This can be done by building ventilation tracts or
openings of a sufficient size between the tank and
surroundings, and by ensuring that placement of
these create as little disturbance as possible. It may
be necessary to equip the ventilation with noise re-
duction to ensure that operation does not exceed
noise levels.
The equipment installed in the tank is exposed to
various influences, depending on whether the tank
is open or closed. Closed tanks are generally better
protected against many influences, whereas equip-
ment in open tanks are exposed to weather such as
sunshine, rain, snow, frost, heat and cold.
These extremes affect the installed equipment.
This means that attention must be given to these
influences, to ensure sensors, pumps (including
chains and cables) can handle drying out in direct
sun and still be able to function. Pumps can stick
or rust. They must also be able to handle frost, or
be protected against frost damage. Alternatively,
sensors can be used without wired contact, such as
ultrasound or radar. Frost can also limit operation,
for example with icing-over of the tank or the freez-
ing of equipment. Regular inspection and testing of
screens and sluice gates are also necessary.

Figure 38: Outlet Inlet Inlet

Different
possibilities for Outlet Inlet
placement of the Outlet
outlet from the
stormwater tank.
Outlet
Outlet Outlet
Outlet

Outlet
Outlet Outlet
Outlet

Outlet
30 Stormwater tanks
Obstacles
An efficient cleaning of the tank requires a design
with a minimum of hydraulic losses in order to min-
imise the number of dead zones in the tank, and
also minimise the energy required to obtain clean-
ing. Pillars, columns, ladders or other obstacles
protruding from the tank floor, walls or cover will
increase the losses and create possible dead zones
in the tank, and these are areas where undesirable
sedimentation during cleaning will take place. Be-
sides altered flow patterns the dynamic cleaning
with the sweeping effect of the water jet is also im-
peded in this case which will compromise cleaning
at the corners of the tank (Fig. 39).
If obstacles in the tank cannot be avoided, these
must be taken into consideration during the layout
of cleaning equipment in order to obtain the opti-
mal cleaning process given the actual conditions.
In some cases the design of the stormwater tank
requires that the pump and ejector of the RainJet
must be separately installed. The piping connect-
ing the two parts will create friction losses in the
system if mounted directly on the tank floor. There-
fore this piping should be mounted 15 - 20 cm above
the floor, which will allow detained material to be
flushed underneath the pipes and further on to
the sump. However supports for the piping will still
gather some material during emptying that cannot
be flushed away.
The connecting pipes of the RainJet could ultimate-
ly be moulded into the tank floor, which will reduce
completely friction losses and dead zones caused by
the additional piping and supports and also places
where material can get stuck.
Figure 39:
Velocity contour plot 0.15 m above the tank bottom showing the effect on hydraulic flow patterns when the
tank has pillars at the tank floor to support the cover. Besides altered flow patterns the dynamic cleaning with
the sweeping effect of the water jet is also impeded in this case.
Velocity
Contour 1
0.500
0.450
0.400
0.350
0.300
0.250
0.200
0.150
0.100
0.050
0.000
[m s^-1]
Service access
Regardless of whether the tank is built with or with-
out a cover, the design ought to include the possibil-
ity of access to the tank. This makes it possible for:
• General inspection of the tank and cleaning
quality
• Cleaning out the tank manually of small stones
and the like, which may have slipped by
• Servicing mechanical equipment and other
installations, such as RainJets, pumps, grates and
spillways
Access to the tank is normally by steps or a ladder,
normally mounted permanently in the tank (Fig.
40). Thought should be given to whether the fixed
installation will inevitably capture organic matters,
fibres, hair, cloths, etc, which can be washed in with
storm water. This can make it unpleasant, danger-
ous and even impossible to use the steps or ladder
until they are cleaned.
An alternative is to use hinged ladders, or ladders
mounted to floats, meaning the ladder moves in
accordance with a rising or falling water level. The
ladder is thus kept out of the wastewater and can
therefore be used without cleaning in advance.
When designing a facility with a stormwater tank,
the handling of mechanical equipment for instal-
lation and service should also be thought into the
design, with the following points taken into consid-
eration:
Stormwater tanks 31
• How is heavy equipment to be lift-
ed?
• Should the lifting equipment be per-
manently installed or mobile?
• Should pumps be secured to the
bottom of the tank or installed on
auto couplings?
• At what level is the tank placed
above or below terrain?
• How far from the tank edge should
mechanical equipment be placed?
• Is vehicle access to the bottom of
the tank required?
• Should the tank configuration be
open or closed?
Selecting a solution must of course be
based upon ensuring a good environ-
ment for working and maintenance
around the tank.
This needs to be thought into the de-
sign from the very first draft, ensur-
ing that the handling of mechanical
equipment is dealt with at the start,
and how this influences design of the
bottom plate, the placement of clean-
ing equipment and the effectiveness
of cleaning.
Figure 40:
Different possibilities for installation of ladders at a stormwater tank.
Top ones are fixed installations that during storage will be sub-
merged and collect fibrous material from the detained water.
Bottom examples are installations that are able to keep the ladder
out of the water either manually by raising the ladder by a hinge or
by means of a flotation device mounted on the ladder.
Summary of design criteria for physical layout of tank for
cleaning equipment
Based on a summary of the elements described above, the following list extracts some of the most important layout criteria.
This list is not exhaustive, as the final layout should also carefully evaluate actual conditions onsite.
• Design the tank dimensions or individual sections so it matches the performance of the cleaning equipment
• Consider water capacity, direction/positioning and number of the inlet(s)
• Consider the amount of sand and suspended solids in the incoming water
• Create benches in corners and along the walls to mimic natural hydraulic conditions
• Create a smooth bottom surface as this will increase cleaning performance
• Avoid obstructions of any kind to minimise dead zones that will favour sedimentation
• Design a sump in connection with the outlet
• Design the sump, connections and outlet system so it is self cleaning
• Let the RainJets draw in water from the sump to increase flushing time
• Consider intensity of outlet, retention and emptying time
• Consider duty strategy for tank operation
32 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 33

Rain Jets 10 m
10 m
Thrust force needed 650 N
Thrust force delivered 300 N
Figure 42:

Two types of RainJets are available for cleaning The jet length of the ejector is determined by the Considerations of
using RainJets alone
stormwater tanks; the RainJet Water/Air (WA) and
the RainJet Water/Water (WW) (Fig. 41).
first stage. A higher flow through the first stage of
the ejector results in a greater velocity and head
6m
6m
Jet length 4 Suitable
or in combination
thus a longer reaching water jet. For the RainJet 10 m
with a mixer.
Thrust Not
The WA ejector is self aspirating and introduces air
into the jet flow. By introducing air into the mixing
WA a second stage can be mounted to increase the
thrust force produced by the first stage of the ejec-
8m
8m force 7 sufficient
zone, odour levels can be minimised, because for- tor. Here a secondary water flow will similar to the 6m
mation of anaerobic zones in the tank will be limit- RainJet WW be dragged into the ejector pipe. This
10 m
ed. This is necessary if water is detained in the tank additional intake of water will increase the total 10 m Thrust force needed 650 N
for a medium-long period during which biological water flow from the ejector, and thus increase the 8m Thrust force delivered 650 N
activity can take place and use up all available oxy- thrust force.
6m
gen. With the jet provided by the RainJet WA, this 6m
type of ejector is designed to clean tanks with a
length/width ratio of ~ 3 (long, narrow tanks).
Considerations for sizing
10 m
Jet length
7 Too long
When sizing RainJets it is important to consider if 20 m
20 m Thrust
The RainJet WW has been developed for the clean-
ing of wider stormwater tanks than the WA ejector.
the main purpose is cleaning or mixing. When sizing
for cleaning purposes, the maximum jet length is 6m force 4 Suitable

The WW ejector cleans tanks with a length/width
ratio ~ 2. Contrary to the WA RainJet, the WW Rain-
Jet does not introduce air into the water, but uses
all energy to drag in a secondary water flow. It will
increase the total ejector water flow and create a
powerful jet. As energy is not used to introduce air
into the water, the WW ejector has a better mixing
efficiency than the WA ejector with the same power
input. However, the length of the water jet will be
shorter than for the WA ejector due to difference in
construction. For that reason the WW ejector is rec-
ommended when the retention time of the water is
short to medium, or when odour problems will not
become an issue.
When the ejector works, the pump provides the pri-
mary water flow in the first stage of the ejector. The
first stage is constructed with a reduction nozzle in-
side the ejector pipe or as a nozzle in itself. Accord-
ing to the law of mass conservation and Bernoulli’s
principle, this reduction creates a depression over
the nozzle that in the RainJet WA will drag down air
and in the RainJet WW will drag in a secondary wa-
ter flow. The primary water flow mix with the air or
the secondary water flow in the ejector and create
a strong jet stream for cleaning and the thrust force
for mixing the detained water.
the critical parameter, whereas for mixing purposes
the thrust force is the critical parameter. However,
the application will almost always demand both
parameters, and there will most often be a discrep-
ancy between them as shown on Figure 42 and Fig-
ure 43. Satisfying both parameters will often result
in a trade off with one of them.
Thrust force
In cases where the thrust force is insufficient for the
application but the jet dimension fits, two methods
can be used to solve this issue.
Either a larger RainJet with a sufficient thrust force
can be chosen even though the jet length will be
too long for the tank as long as the jet width still fits
the tank. Or installation of one or more mixers to
deliver the remaining thrust force to meet what is
needed in the application can be a possibility. With
the last method the mixers must however be turned
off when the water level decreases and the RainJet
must then be able to produce sufficient thrust for
mixing the water at this point. Consideration of
whether to install additional equipment should
however be done before choosing this solution.
10 m
For illustration of
10 the
m effective jet length produced by the specific RainJet, the water jet has been shown to penetrate the
wall even though this would not possible in reality
20 m
6m
6m
Thrust force needed 650 N
10 m
Thrust force delivered 650 N
8m
8m
6m Jet length 4 Suitable
Thrust
8m force 4 Suitable
FACTS: In some cases it is also possible to move the ejector
forward in the tank so it is adjusted to the jet ratio
Maximum thrust: of desired equipment (see Fig. 43 bottom (right)).
A rule-of-thumb is that with the maximum However in these cases it must be checked that the
thrust force delivered by a RainJet WA or RainJet can deliver a sufficient volume of water to
WW, a maximum volume of approximately be able to overcome the necessary bottom displace-
1,500 m³ pr. RainJet can be mixed. However, ment forces to drag settled material to the sump
it depends on the specific application such as (see Figure 19). Furthermore, it must be carefully
tank shape, suspended solid concentration, considered whether flow conditions in the tank will
tank physical design, and so on, and must be be changed and favour that sediment builds up be-
evaluated for each application. hind the ejector instead of reaching the sump.

As can be seen on Figure 45, pushing the ejector for-

ward in the tank means that more energy will be
Jet length and width wasted at the tank wall instead of being used for
Figure 41:
mixing and later on cleaning. This wasted energy
There can be situations where the thrust force pro- results in a large area behind the ejector having a
The principles by
duced by the RainJet is sufficient to mix the water low water velocity, where sedimentation of mate-
which a RainJet WA
but where the jet stream cannot reach the furthest rial will be favoured.
(left) and RainJet
end or cover the entire tank floor (see Figure 43), be-
WW (right) work.
cause of the physical layout of the tank. This can be However pushing the ejector slightly forward as
Mixed Secondary caused by too steep a slope, an unfavourable ratio shown on the simulation in the middle does in this
Mixed Secondary
water water flow
water water flow between width/length, or result from the direction case not affect flow velocities significantly. This
and air
of the slope and position of the sump and outlet. could then be a solution for cleaning a tank that has
a minor mismatch between actual required clean-
These situations can be handled by splitting the ing surface and the optimal length to width ratio
Depression zone
Depression zone tank into different zones or moving the ejector for- of the ejector.
ward to obtain the ideal relation between the per-
Primary water flow Primary water flow formance of a RainJet and the tank width/length
ratio.
34 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 35

Figure 43: Recommendation

How to
for installation and
overcome positioning
unfavourable
length/width Installation of the RainJet will always be done within the
ratios stormwater tank whereas the accompanying pump can be
either wet or dry installed. Which is the preferred installa-
tion type is individual from project to project. If a wet instal-
lation is the choice for the pump it has, besides permanently
fixation to the ejector, also the possibility to be coupled to
the ejector with an auto coupling (Fig. 45).

For stormwater tanks, various different shapes exist and are

still being projected. The following provides a guide of how
to place RainJets in rectangular and circular tanks and gives
ideas about how many RainJets preferentially should be in-
stalled. However it is beneficial to have a certain freedom in
the RainJet installation following commissioning in order to
adjust it according to the actual conditions in the tank.

Figure 45:
As shown in figure 42 and figure 43, various situ-
Fixed (left) and
ations are possible. Sometimes the jet length fits,
auto coupling (right)
sometimes the thrust force. The situations illu-
The final selection of RainJets Selection and sizing mounting on the
strate the intricacy in sizing RainJets and the con-
Inquiries for RainJets are handled based ejector of a RainJet
siderations that should be made. as well as their exact positioning WA and WW.
must be project-specifically on customer needs. For selection and
Different methods of adjusting both parameters
exist. However, adjusting one of them might affect handled in each case to obtain sizing of equipment, please find your
the other and vice versa. This must be thoroughly local Grundfos sales office at:
considered to obtain the most suitable equipment
the best possible solution for
for the solution. the specific tank.
www.grundfos.com

Figure 44:
Rectangular tanks

CFD simulation Velocity

Contour 1
Dimensioning criteria for RainJets
showing how
The following key points should be considered when dimensioning RainJets for rectangular tanks.
streamlines and 0.500
possible areas for
sedimentation in 0.450 • The bottom slope should be between 1-2 % Floor with a
the stormwater 0.400 towards the outlet. RainJet WA RainJet WW
slope of 1 %
tank change due to
0.350 • The length/width ratio of the tank if a certain Tank Tank
different positioning Area
0.300 type of RainJet is preferred or recommended. Dimensions Dimensions
of the RainJet. [m2]
(3:1) (2:1)
Contour plots are 0.250 • Base dimensioning on jet length and thrust
shown 15 cm above force. 10x3 30 8x4
0.200
the bottom plate
121x4 50 10x5
with the ejector 0.150 • In tanks with pillars or similar two or more
having equal RainJets should be used and placed to avoid 15x5 75 12.6x6
0.100
performance in dead zones and resulting sedimentation
0.050 problems. 18x6 100 14x7
each case.
0.000 21x7 150 17x8.5
• Taking in water from a sump or controlling
[m s^-1] the outlet capacity can increase operation 24.5x8 200 20x10
time for flushing.
27.5x9 250 22.5x11
• Installation should be made so it can be
30x10 300 24.5x12
trimmed according to actual conditions.
31.5x10.5 350 26.5x13
36 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 37

Positioning Circular Tanks

When designing a rectangular tank the
W RainJets can be placed either at one end
or in the middle of the tank depending on
the tank length and sump positioning (Fig.
46). The bottom slope of the tank should
L decrease between 1 – 2 % towards the
W/2
W/2
sump.
with sump placed at the wall
For circular tanks with the sump placed at the wall,
the tank should be treated as a rectangular tank
obeying the length/width ratio of the RainJets. The
tank floor must as for rectangular tanks have a slope
of 1 – 2 % towards the outlet/drainage channel.

For the RainJet WA, the appropriate ratio
between length and width should be close
W to ~3. The RainJet WW generates a wider
jet compared to the RainJet WA, therefore
the RainJets WW are more suitable for
L rectangular tanks with a length/width ra-
L W/2 tio of ~2. The jet length and width must
2 W/2 correspond to the tank dimensions for
effective cleaning.
For diameters larger than one RainJet can handle,
the tank can be split up into two or more zones.
For example, when using two RainJets they should
be placed in an angle of around 20° to the centre
axis of the tank. Another example of placement of 3
RainJets are also shown in Figure 49.

In longer or wider tanks where one RainJet

L does not fulfil the dimensional require-
ments, the RainJets can be placed ahead
or besides each other (fig. 47). For wide
tanks partitions between different sec-
tions might be installed when RainJets are
placed next to each other. This divides the
tank into more sections that will fill suc- Figure 48:
cessive as one section at a time is filled be-
fore overflow into the next section takes Principle for place-
place. This will minimise the need for ment of RainJet(s)
cleaning the whole tank every time, if only in circular storm-
a sub-volume of the tank becomes filled water tanks with
Figure 46: (see Figure 6). sump placed at the
wall
Principle for Figure 47:
placement of Rain-
Jets in rectangular Principle for
stormwater tanks W 2W
placement of more
than one RainJet
W
in wide or long
L stormwater tanks

W/2
W/2

Grundfos WebCAPS

W
Go to the Grundfos online WebCAPS,
L
Computer Aided Product Selection
2L
program, to access more than 180,000
Grundfos products complete with data
and CAD drawings.
L
W/2
W/2

www.grundfos.com/webcaps
38 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 39

Circular Tanks with centre sump This placement offers the advantages of a jet stream
that follows the flow direction very smoothly, which
Dimensioning criteria for RainJets per the principle of leverage requires a comparable
The following key points should be considered when low energy input. If the suction pipes of the Rain-
dimensioning RainJets for circular tanks with centre Jets are not connected to the sump, flushing until
placed sump. the tank is completely empty is not possible. More-
over the positioning of the RainJet on the bottom
Number of plate obstructs the water flow, and this placement
Tank diameter complicates the demands for the secure mounting
RainJets*
of cabling, for example. In all, this placement offers
D<5m ~1-2 good cleaning of the periphery at the cost of risk-
5 m > D > 15 m ~2-3 ing quality issues in the centre of the tank, if no
additional piping or suction is made in the sump,
D > 15 m ~3-4 enabling the RainJet to run until the tank is com-
* numbers can only be used as a rule of thumb and a pletely empty or the outlet capacity is so great that
careful evaluation of the exact numbers must always be the tank will be emptied before the material settles,
done for each specific installation after the RainJet has stopped working.
Placing the RainJet close to the sump:
This placement has several advantages, such as
the possibility of flushing the tank until completely
empty, the absence of obstructions on the bottom
plate, and no need for further piping. The short
suction pipe results in a low pressure loss, possi-
bly reducing the pump input power. However, the
jet flow doesn’t follow the flow direction tightly,
and thus greater energy is required to get the fluid
moving, because of inefficient leverage. Again, this
placement complicates the demands for the secure
mounting of cabling, for example. In all, this place-
ment ensures good cleaning in the middle of the
tank, with the risk of possible quality issues at the
periphery.
Placing the RainJet close to the tank wall:
This placement has the advantages of offering easy
access to the RainJet/pumps as they are close to
the tank wall which makes cabling, lifting chains
and guide pipes easy accessible, thus with the draw
back that when the RainJet is installed on the bot-
tom plate it obstructs the water flow. This position-
ing requires least necessary energy to accelerate the
fluid as per the principle of leverage. The RainJets
can be installed without additional suction pipes,
but then this placement does not allow flushing
until completely empty. To be able to clean until the
tank is completely empty suction pipes from the
RainJet must be connected to the sump. In all, this
placement offers good cleaning of the periphery at
the cost of risking quality issues in the centre of the
tank.

• The bottom slope should be around 3-4 % towards
the centre sump to optimise the required number of
RainJets.
• Use tank diameter as a guideline to decided the re-
quired number of RainJets to install
• Base dimensioning of the RainJet on the required
thrust force
• In tanks with pillars or similar two or more RainJets
should be used and placed to avoid dead zones and
resulting sedimentation problems
• Taking in water from a sump or controlling the out-
let capacity can increase operation time for flushing
• Installation should be made so it can be trimmed ac-
cording to actual conditions.
However the RainJets can also be placed close to the
sump or close to the tank wall instead. This place-
ment gives raise to some considerations which are
outlined below. Whether to choose one over the
other placement for the RainJets should be evalu-
ated for each specific installation.
0.4-0.6 x R
30°
Layout strategy
When a given tank must be equipped with RainJets
for cleaning, the principle way of thinking is to di-
vide the tank into equal rectangular sub-volumes/
areas with a length/width ration of either ~1:2 or
~1:3; depending on type of RainJet to use. The num-
ber of sub-areas that fits into the tank will then
correspond to the number of RainJets to install
(Fig. 51).
When doing this, it is important to take the bot-
tom slope and sump placement in to account when
Different variations of tank layouts exist and it not
feasible to show positioning of RainJets in all of
them here. However, as an example of the variety,
the layout shown in figure 51 below illustrates this.
Here, the RainJets have been positioned to create
a circular movement of the water based on consid-
erations of bottom slope and sump position. The
RainJets have been positioned at an angle so the jet
streams create smooth flow conditions without in-
terfering with each other.

-6
0
Positioning splitting the tank into sub-areas. If direction of the

°
The jet length for the circular tank is less significant slope and position of the sump have not been de-
than in the rectangular tanks due to water inertia cided, the division of the tank into sub-areas can
that is created during mixing and cleaning which then aid in deciding this based on best coverage
will create a circular motion (Fig. 49). and cleaning of the tank.
Sump
For circular tanks with a centre sump the RainJet 0.4-0.6 x R 40m 40m
should be placed at a distance of 0.4-0.6 times
m m
radius from the edge of the tank (Fig. 50). In the 37 37
direction of flow, the RainJet should be placed at an
angle of 30-60° to the centre axis of the tank. The Figure 50: 40m 40m

slope of the bottom should be between 3-4% from m m

the edge to the centre. Principle for positioning of RainJets in a circular tank 37 37
with centre sump. R denotes radius.

Figure 51:
Figure 49: Ratio 1:3
At the left the 0.4-0.6 x R Exemplification
principle of water of how to divide
motion in a
Velocity
Vector 1
Ratio 1:3 the tank area into
circular tank. 0.500 sub-compartments
Ø25 Ø25 when planning
0.375
30° m m layout and equip-
At the right
12.5
-6

velocity streamline m ping of stormwater

0°

plot from a CFD

0.250
tanks. In the circular
simulation of a Ø25
m
Ø25
m tank the ejectors
0.125

circular tank with could also be placed

12.5
m closer to the centre
centre sump 0.000
[m s^-1]
where the arrow angled as shown in
heads indicate flow Figure 49 to cover
direction.
Sump Ratio 1:2 the tank area.
0.4-0.6 x R

Ratio 1:2
40 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 41

Risk of airpockets
Figure 52: Regardless which solution is chosen, it is important
to keep a degree of freedom in the installation at
Placement of the ejector. This is in regards to the angle of the Risk of airpockets
RainJet(s) in circular ejector during final adjustment of the equipment
stormwater tanks at commissioning based on the actual conditions
with trap sump. in the tank. Using adjustable flanges or other initia-
tives are therefore necessary.

Multiple ejectors supplied by the same

pump through a manifold

For some applications it could be beneficial to sup-

The traversing sump will in this design work as an
obstacle to the flow and thereby a catch where sus-
pended solids preferentially will settle and be fur-
ther conveyed out of the tank.
Furthermore piping from one central pump placed
at the tank wall feeding several RainJets can be in-
stalled in the sump without obstructing the flow
unnecessarily on the bottom plate, and without
creating unintended places for sedimentation of
gross material.
Piping and manifold
When placing the ejector and pump of the Rain-
Jet separately either to push ejector units forward,
to feed several ejectors with one single pump or
to place the pump dry installed, additional piping
must be installed between the units.
The additional pipe will increase head losses of the
system and result in increased head and decreased
flow (H2, Q2), and thus, a new pump duty point
(DPreduced). The increased headloss should be accoun-
ted for when selecting the pump for the ejector.
As the water volume and hence the flow cleans the
stormwater tank, a pump with the original flow (Q1)
and the required head (H2) must be chosen for the
application to have the correct pump duty point
(DPrequired) (Figure 54).
Pipe installation
Installation of pipes between the pump and ejec-
tor can be handled either by placing the pipes above
the floor or moulding them into the floor.
Piping placed on the bottom plate with mechanical
supports must be placed with sufficient clearance to
allow material to pass unhindered underneath; typ-
ically this will be at a height so the piping connects
directly to the ejector. However, the supports placed
on the bottom plate will increase the hydraulic
losses and create areas for possible sedimentation.
Furthermore if large impurities get trapped under
the piping this will create an area where material
can build up. On the other hand, as piping is freely
available it is fairly easy to disassemble if the piping
becomes clogged due to large impurities carried to
the tank and thereby restore flow to the ejector.
On the other hand, moulding the pipes in to the
tank floor has the advantages that hydraulic loss-
es and additional areas for sedimentation due to
protruding piping is complete avoided. However
a drawback is the fact that if piping moulded into
the tank floor becomes clogged it can be difficult
to clean and restore flow to the ejector. In circular
tanks, piping placed across the flow direction will, at
low water levels, generate a substantial hindrance.
ply multiple ejectors with one single pump. In this
case all ejectors must be connected via a common
manifold. This can be an issue if space is limited in
the sump, if protruding RainJets in the tank are re-
quested or because of accessibility to equipment.
However this solution will raise the issue of having
one as opposed to many pumps in the installation.
Using a common manifold to feed all RainJets with
one pump has both pros and cons. As a benefit, the
maintenance cost of the system will decrease as
less mechanical equipment is installed in the tank.
A drawback is that flexibility of system adjustment
decreases, as branch pipes are welded in a fixed po-
sition to the manifold, so if tank drawings do not
correspond to the actual conditions it can be hard
to adjust the system. This drawback can to some
extent be overcome as described above by using ad-
justable flanges or other initiatives for final adjust-
ment of the equipment at commissioning.
However using one pump per ejector will give com-
plete freedom for final adjustment during commis-
sioning if this should be necessary. Although sev-
eral pumps increase maintenance costs, the safety
of having more pumps is an advantage in case of
pump breakdown. However, as the pump on the
ejector manifold can be mounted either on an auto
coupling or dry-installed, this safety issue is a mat-
ter of estimate.
Design of manifold Figure 54:
When choosing the solution where more ejectors How to design a
are supplied through a manifold, there are different manifold without
things to consider for maximum performance from the risk for getting
all RainJets. airpockets.
For the components and configuration of the pipe
work, eccentric reducers must be used compared to
standard narrowings, in addition to placing any off-
branching pipes at the top of the manifold (Fig. 54).
This design will prevent the possibility for accumu-
lation of air at the top of the pipes, which will other-
wise reduce hydraulic capacity of the manifold.
Figure 55:
Obtaining equal performance of the different ejec-
tors on the manifold requires that they have the Different layouts
same water flow and hence the same headloss. where one pump
This is most easily obtained by making the manifold feeds several ejec-
symmetrical if this is possible. Doing this will also tors. In the left ex-
simplify calculations and design of the system. amples the ejectors
must have equal
However, the intention in some cases could also be performance. In the
for different performance from each ejector due to examples at the
tank layout and thus jet length requirements (Fig. right, the ejectors
55). Obtaining different performance from the ejec- must have different
tors requires that the piping is laid out accordingly, performance.
which can be a source for some rather complex
calculations.

Figure 53:

What to be aware H
of when placing
additional piping
between the pump DPRequired
and ejector. H2
DPReduced
Requirerd pump
H1 for the RainJet

DPNormal

Original pump for

the RainJet

Q2 Q1 Q
42 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 43

Tube and channel tanks When emptying the tank after the stormwater
Example: event, the velocity of the water flowing down the
For a symmetrical manifold each RainJet must receive 50 l/s at 4.1 mWC to give the required jet length Another type of tank also commonly used for storm tank can be too low to drag the settled material to
and thrust force. Calculate the pump performance when feeding both ejectors through a manifold water detention is the tube or channel tank (Fig. the wastewater treatment plant for cleaning. This
with the following characteristics. 56). Without going into details this type of tank is can be overcome by installing a cleaning system
basically an over-dimensioned pipe made of a series that pumps water from the lowest end of the tank
of connected precast elements of concrete or plas- to the highest end where it will increase the water
Q = 50 l/s tic. Tube tanks are often placed in-line as part of the flow down the tube tank.
20 m sewer system with a constant flow also during dry
H = 4.1 mWC All pipes are in stainless steel and the flange weather conditions, which implies that the bottom Properly designed, the additional water flow pro-
10 m
of the ejector is DN100. The resistance number of the tube should be designed to handle small and vided by the pump will increase the bottom shear
of the fittings are as given below: large flows. stress above the critical value of around 3-4 N/m2
DN100 and ensure that settled material at the bottom of
C 1 3m 1: Eccentric reducer (ζ = 0.5) Tube tanks should if possible be constructed with a the channel will be dragged to the outlet pump
B 2 slope that will provide self-cleaning with dry weath- from where it is transferred for treatment.
A 3 5m 2: 90° bend (ζ = 0.5) er conditions and keeping in mind the maximum
1m back water level in the system during stormwater
3: T-piece (ζ = 3) events. However, if it is not possible to obtain self-
DN200 cleaning of the tube tank, flushing must be used as
sedimentation of material will occur during the de-
tention period.

As the flow is being split into two in the T-piece the pump flow must equal 2 x 50 l/s = 100 l/s. To find
the head of the pump suitable for the system the pipe losses must be calculated and added to the
head of the ejector. For these calculations the following equations have been used:

ѵ2 ν : average velocity [m/s]

Hsingle losses = ζ
2g g : gravitational acceleration [m/s2]
f : friction number [-]
L x ѵ2
Hpipe = f x L : distance [m]
Rh 2g
Rh : hydraulic radius [m]
Q 4x Q : flow [m3/s]
ѵ=
Π x d2 d : diameter [m]

Calculation of the headlosses is split into three sections. The headlosses of pipework and single losses for
each section have been calculated using WebCAPS (www.grundfos.com).

Section A) from the pump to T-piece where the flow is 100 l/s in a DN200 pipe:
H = 1.57 m

Section B) after the T-piece to eccentric reducer where the flow is 50 l/s in a DN200 pipe:
H = 0.331 m

Section C) after the eccentric reducer to ejector where the flow is 50 l/s in a DN100 pipe:
H = 1.53 m
Figure 56:
If the chosen pipe configuration gives unacceptable headlosses, other dimensions could be used and the
calculation must be repeated. Inflow Sketch of a
channel tank
The total head of the pump for the system can then be found by adding the losses of the three sections to- for storm water
gether with the head of the ejector itself.
Outflow
detention

Htotal = 1.57 m + 0.331 m + 1.53 m + 4.1 m = 7.53 m

The hydraulic characteristic of the pump must hence be:

Q = 100 l/s, H = 7.53 m
44 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 45

Recommendation for controls and set points

Automatic operation and the control strategy of
the stormwater tank can be achieved when con-
trolling and monitoring the action of the different
components in the tank based on water levels. Data
on water levels can be obtained from any type of
level switches/devices installed in the tank and
can be used to determine if the level is increasing
or decreasing. A controller gathering the data must
be able to control the interactions between the in-
stalled equipment, with the benefit of obtaining
efficient cleaning, maximum hydraulic relief of the
sewer system and a reduction of the risk of pollu-
tion due to overflow.
Constant water inflow and outflow from the
stormwater tank could well be essential. This can
be difficult to achieve when the water is conveyed
by gravitation, due to differences in water levels.
However, pumps controlled by frequency convert-
ers can tightly control the flow and keep it constant,
independent of water levels. This tight control will
especially during outflow from the stormwater
tank ensure a constant hydraulic load in the sewer
system and consequently a constant flow at the
downstream wastewater treatment plant securing
treatment conditions.
The operational data from the stormwater tank
should not only be used in the tank but also ulti-
mately be transmitted to a central place where the
entire sewer system can be monitored. This infor-
mation helps provide a current status of the system
and can additionally be used to plan pre-emptive
maintenance of the installed equipment.
Collecting and connecting data from more tanks
in the same or different watersheds can be useful
for controlling water flows and avoiding overflow
from the entire sewer system. Collecting these data
can help in getting an overview over which tanks
are full or where space is available, if more water
should enter the sewer system.
Control strategy
To obtain an effective automatic cleaning of the
stormwater tank it is not only sufficient to select
the correct equipment. It is also important to have it
connected to an intelligent control system manag-
ing the filling, depletion and cleaning process. Wa-
ter levels are used to control operation of the tank
where predefined set points based on variations
in water levels define the actual control strategy.
The principle of control using set points is sketch in
figure 57.
Figure 57 is a description of the principles of Rain-
Jet use and consequently does not contain defined
levels. The different levels depend on inertia when
filling and emptying the tank, and as a general
rule adjustments according to the actual operat-
ing conditions should be possible. The levels should
be defined based on the actual cleaning process,
but also out of consideration of minimising energy
consumption. The controller must therefore be de-
signed in a way so it is possible to adjust the set
points at a later stage.
Increasing water level
With increasing water levels, the RainJet should not
be in duty. This is to enhance sedimentation of or-
ganic and inorganic matter in the tank in case an
overflow happens. When inflow ceases and until
capacity is available in the sewer system, a steady
water level in the stormwater tank is maintained.
With a steady water level for a certain period of time,
the RainJet might be run intermittently or continu-
ously for resuspension, avoidance of sedimentation,
and to limit odour problems. This should however only
be initiated below the critical duty level as water lev-
els above this set point might be critical for overflows,
should another inflow take place.
Decreasing water level
With decreasing water level, the action of the Rain-
Jet is strictly controlled by the different water levels.
Above the critical duty level equipment will never run.
Between critical and noncritical duty level the RainJet
can be run continuously or intermittently to loosen
up the settled material that can form relatively solid
sediments. When the water level falls to the noncriti-
cal level the RainJet should be running continuously to
keep organic and inorganic matter in suspension.
Close to when the tank is empty the RainJet still runs,
but the pump/valve for effluent can be discontinued
for a while, giving the RainJet time to make a continu-
ous flush, dragging all material to the sump for con-
veyance to the sewer system. This time period should
be set according to actual experiences based on condi-
tions in the tank.
Between operation
Because of the impact of the environment on the in-
stalled equipment, it can be an advantage to install as
part of the control system function tests and test runs
of pumps, sensors, and so on, to ensure full function.
Not everything can be integrated into the controls, and
it can therefore be necessary occasionally to visually
check the tank for foreign items as well as checking
overflow grates and the functionality of ventilation, to
ensure the required level of operation of the tank.

Level

Duty at increasing Duty at steady Duty at decreasing

water level water level water level
Overflow level

Off Off Off

Figure 57:
Critical duty
level
Control scheme for
RainJets. Blue ar- On
Off On
rows indicate slope/ Off
trend/gradient of
Noncritical
the water level in
duty level
the tank. The text in
the circles indicate
specific duty mode
of the RainJet based
On
on variations in Off On
Off
water levels.

Tank empty
46 Stormwater tanks Stormwater tanks 47

Equipment for stormwater tanks

Grundfos offers a variety of products for stormwater tank operation. Below is an overview of the products
and specifications. More information about the products is available on www. grundfos.com/water-utility

Product: Product: Product: Product:

RainJet WA/WW SL, SLV S-range Controls and Monitoring

Dedicated Controls:
User friendly display, plug
and play commissioning
and all the right functions.
Supplied as modules or
ready-made panels.
Applications are typically
sewage network pumping
stations controlling up
to six pumps.

MP204:
Electronic motor protection.
Product types: SL1, SLV Dry-running, motor temperature, over- and
Product types: under voltage or current, power factor and alarm
Pump principle: SV, S1, S2, S3, S4 log.
Product types: Submersible semi-open, single channel or Super
RainJet WA, RainJet WW Vortex wastewater pumps. Pump principle: Super Vortex impeller or channel Measured energy consumption.
impeller pumps.
With or with out built-in controller.
Principle: CUE:
Stainless steel versions available.
RainJets, with or without intake of air, for auto- Flow, Q: Max. 87,5 l/s Frequency converters for three-phase pumps.
matic and hygienic cleaning of tanks used for Flow, Q: Max. 1800 l/s Adjustment of the pump performance to the
Head, H: Max. 44 m
temporary storage of storm- or wastewater. demand.
Head, H: Max. 110 m
Liquid temp.: Max. 40°C Together with sensors, the CUE offers various
Area: Max. 300 m2 Liquid temp.: 0°C to +40°C
Discharge diam.: DN 65 to DN 150 / 2 ⁱ⁄₂” to 6” control modes.
Thrust: Max. 1500 N Discharge diam.: DN 80 to DN 800

Product: Product: Product: Product:

AFG/AMD/AMG SEV, SE1 KPL/KWM Remote Management

Product types:
Grundfos Remote Management:
AFG, AMD, AMG Product types: SEV, SE1 Product types: Internet-based remote monitoring & control for
Pump principle: KPL/KWM pump systems.
Pump principle:
Horizontal gear driven flowmakers. Submersible or dry installed single channel or Complete system overview.
Direct and gear driven mixers. Super Vortex wastewater pumps. Stainless steel
Pump principle:
versions available. Alarms on SMS and email to on duty staff
Axial thrust: Submersible axial-flow pump.
Controls and protection systems available Full historical event log
AFG 998-6632 N Flow, Q: Max. 11600 l/s
Flow, Q: Max. 80 l/s Graphical display of trend data and raw data
AMD, AMG 160-3931 N Head, H: Max. 45 m Head, H: Max. 20 m download
Liquid temp.: +5°C to +40°C Liquid temp.: 0°C to +40°C Liquid temp.: 0°C to +40°C Monthly summation reports
Installation depth: Max. 20 m Discharge diam.: DN 65 to DN 150 / 2 ⁱ⁄₂” to 6” Column pipe diameter: 700 to 1600 mm Tools for service optimisation
48 Stormwater tanks
Grundfos WebCAPS
Go to the Grundfos online WebCAPS,
Computer Aided Product Selection program,
toaccess more than 180,000 Grundfos products
complete with data and CAD drawings.
www.grundfos.com/webcaps
Stormwater tanks 49
bibliography
Solids in sewers characteristics, effects and control of sewer solids and associated pollutants (2004);
Scientific and Technical Report No. 14; edited by R. M. Ashley et al; ISBN: 1 900222 91 4; IWA Publishing
Urban and Highway Stormwater Pollution, Concepts and Engineering (2010); Thorkild Hvitved-Jacobsen ,
Jes Vollertsen and Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen, ISBN: 978-1-4398-2685-0, CRC Press 2010
Stormwater collection systems design handbook (2001); editor in chief Mays, Lary W.; ISBN 0-07-135471-9;
McGraw-Hill
Danish literature:
Afløbsteknik (2002); Linde et al; ISBN 87-502-0827-6; Polyteknisk Forlag
Lærebog i Hydraulik (2003); Brorson, M and Larsen, T; ISBN 87-7307-691-0; Aalborg Universitetsforlag
Pumpe ståbi (2000); Ingeniøren Bøger; Publisher Flening, Søren; ISBN 87-571-2296-2; Ingeniøren
Vejledning nr. 71, Regnbetingede udledninger - katalog over teknologier til reduktion af effekter i miljøet
(2006); DANVA’s Arbejdsgruppe Om Regnbetingede Udledninger, ISBN 87-90455-61-4; DANVA
 Being responsible is our foundation
Thinking ahead makes it possible
Innovation is the essence

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50 Storm water tanks Storm water tanks 51